Manny Pacquiao, who won world titles in eight weight classes, was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on December 5.
Boxsport had already reported on the nomination in October, and yesterday it was finalized. Manny Pacquiao was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on December 5. The Filipino boxer thus receives another historic honor. With world titles in eight weight classes, Pacquiao is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. His career began in 1995, when he entered professional boxing at just 106 pounds. He won titles from flyweight to half-middleweight. Pacquiao was not only successful in sport, but also became a global icon.
World Championship titles in eight weight classes
- Flyweight
16. December 1998 against Chatchai Sasakul / Pacquiao won the WBC flyweight title by knockout. - Super bantamweight
23. June 2001 against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba / Pacquiao secured the IBF super bantamweight title by T.K.O. - Featherweight
15. November 2003 against Marco Antonio Barrera / Pacquiao defeated Barrera and won the lineal world featherweight championship. - Super featherweight
March 15, 2008 against Juan Manuel Márquez / Pacquiao won the WBC super featherweight title by a close points decision. - Lightweight
June 28, 2008 against David Díaz / Pacquiao won the WBC lightweight title by knockout. - Light welterweight
May 2, 2009 against Ricky Hatton / Pacquiao won the IBO title and the lineal light welterweight world championship by knockout. - Welterweight
November 14, 2009 against Miguel Cotto / Pacquiao won the WBO welterweight title by T.K.O. - Light middleweight
November 13, 2010 against Antonio Margarito / Pacquiao became WBC world light middleweight champion by unanimous points decision.
“A wonderful Christmas present”
Pacquiao was delighted with the award. “I’m so happy to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It’s a wonderful Christmas present,” he says. He sees the induction as recognition of his services to his home country.
Major victories and memorable duels
Pacquiao has contested numerous historic fights. He surprised the boxing world when he sent Oscar De La Hoya into retirement. He celebrated spectacular knockout victories against Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton. He had epic fights with Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao also made history against Floyd Mayweather in the highest-selling fight of all time, albeit with a defeat.
Manny Pacquiao: World star and role model
In addition to his sporting achievements, Pacquiao also impressed as a role model. He was voted Boxer of the Year and Boxer of the Decade three times. Hall of Fame Director Ed Brophy praises: “Manny Pacquiao is a global symbol and one of the most successful boxers of all time.”
The ceremonial reception will take place from June 5 to 8 in Canastota, New York.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger
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