Pacquiao to the Hall of Fame and Returns to the Ring: Boxing Legend in Action

Pacquiao Returns to the Ring: A Boxing Icon Seeks a New Chapter

Manny Pacquiao, at 46 years old, defies retirement once more. The legendary Filipino boxer is preparing for a new fight next month, seeking to add another title to his already impressive legacy. His career, which led him to the International Boxing Hall of Fame this Sunday, is one of the most outstanding in the history of the sport.

“Now, when I look back… world champion in eight divisions, world titles in four different decades, the oldest welterweight world champion in history, those are not just opinions. They are facts,” Pacquiao affirmed.
Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao was the main figure at the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. However, the celebration will be brief, as he must prepare for his July 19th fight in Las Vegas against WBC champion Mario Barrios. During his speech at the ceremony, Pacquiao highlighted his historic feat of winning titles in eight different weight categories. An achievement that made him an icon, from his professional debut in the 106-pound category to conquering a title in the 154-pound category.

“From flyweight to super welterweight, eight divisions. Each fight, each victory was a step further away from poverty. It wasn’t just for me, but for my family, for the Filipino people,” Pacquiao expressed.
Manny Pacquiao

Other standouts in the class of 2025 were Vinny Paz, a champion in three divisions, and Michael Nunn, a middleweight and super middleweight champion. In the women’s category, Yessica Chávez, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Cathy “Cat” Davis were recognized. Kenny Bayless, who refereed some of Pacquiao’s most important fights, and referee Harry Gibbs were also honored, along with cutman Al Gavin. Announcer Randy Gordon, HBO producer Ross Greenburg, and the deceased boxers Rodrigo Valdez and Owen Swift completed the list. Pacquiao retired in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2, with 39 knockouts, and participated in some of the highest-grossing events of the 2000s. He always sought the most difficult rivals to test himself. This led him to great wealth, very different from his childhood in poverty in the Philippines. Subsequently, he served his country as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and ran unsuccessfully for president. With a choked voice, he thanked his fans and his family.