Manny Pacquiao elected to International Boxing Hall of Fame - ESPN

Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest and most popular fighters ever, was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, it was announced Thursday.

Pacquiao, the only eight-division champion in boxing history, enters the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The former Filipino senator, who ran for President of the Philippines in 2022, is joined by Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz in the men's modern boxers category.

«I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame; this certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift,» Pacquiao, 45, said in a statement provided by the IBHOF. «Throughout my career, as a professional fighter and a public servant, it has been my goal to bring honor to my country, The Philippines, and my fellow Filipinos around the world.

»Today, I am humbled knowing that in June, I will receive boxing's highest honor, joining our national hero, Flash Elorde, as well as my trainer and friend Freddie Roach. I am very grateful to those who voted for me, and I look forward to celebrating with family, friends, and fans at Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York."

Induction Weekend takes place June 5-8. Also elected: women's modern boxers Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis and Mary Jo Sanders, along with Cathy «Cat» Davis in the trailblazer category. In the nonparticipant category: referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin and referee Harry Gibbs.

Former HBO Sports executive Ross Greenburg was elected in the observer category along with Sirius XM Radio's Randy Gordon (former New York State Athletic Commissioner and former editor of The Ring magazine). Colombia's Rodrigo Valdez, a middleweight champion who competed from 1963 to 1980, was elected in the old timer