MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao delivered a knockout valedictory before his formal induction to the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 8 (Monday, June 9, Philippine time), at Turning Stone Casino in Canastota, New York.
The most illustrious among the IBHOF Class of 2025, Pacquiao was honored to enter Saturday’s Banquet of Champions last and deliver the wrap-up speech highlighting his ring journey and paying tribute to the fighters who have shaped the sport’s legacy, and are inspiring the next generation.
“I cannot imagine a boy selling newspapers in the streets, sleeping in the streets, I cannot imagine that I’d be here to speak with you and be one of the awardees of the Hall of Fame,” said Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, in his speech.
“I feel so excited for tomorrow (Sunday). Tomorrow is the induction, so I’m excited for that. I’m honored with this award that I received. I believe that this is the fruits of my labor, hard work, and discipline. My journey is still continuing. I’m excited that I’m continuing in my career and giving inspiration to the boxing world,” he added.
Other Filipinos enshrined in the Hall of Fame are former super featherweight king Gabriel “Flash” Elorde in 1993, former flyweight champion Pancho Villa (Francisco Villaruel Guilledo) in 1994, and revered promoter matchmaker Lope “Papa” Sarreal, Elorde’s father-in-law, in 2005.
Already 46 years old and nearly four years out of the ring, Pacquiao is punching for history and legacy when he challenges Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight belt on Saturday, July 19 (Sunday, July 20, Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao will be the first Hall of Fame inductee to contend immediately for a world crown and will try to become the oldest welterweight champion ever, a feat he achieved at 40 years and 215 days against Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019.
If Pacquiao succeeds, he will also become the first five-time world welterweight champion, eclipsing the four times he had against Thurman.
Taking a short break from his hectic training in Los Angeles, Pacquiao flew to the East Coast on a private plane with wife Jinkee, trainer Freddie Roach, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions chief Sean Gibbons, and a few aides.
Right after the induction ceremony, Pacquiao will fly back to the West Coast and resume his preparations for Barrios, who was still in his mother’s womb when the Filipino legend turned pro on January 22, 1995. – Rappler.com