Cover “With God, nothing is impossible,” said Pacquiao, who was honoured for his unmatched achievements in boxing (Photo: X / Manny Pacquiao)
“With God, nothing is impossible,” said Pacquiao, who was honoured for his unmatched achievements in boxing (Photo: X / Manny Pacquiao)
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A champion once again, Manny Pacquiao has joined boxing’s most legendary figures
It was a moment that had been years in the making, fought for in boxing rings, won under the blinding lights of Las Vegas and sealed, at last, in upstate New York. Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has officially joined the ranks of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, enshrined this week alongside other legends of the sport.
At 46, Pacquiao becomes the latest (and perhaps most storied) Filipino to receive the honour, joining fellow countrymen Pancho Villa, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and promoter Lope Sarreal in boxing’s most exclusive pantheon. For a man who once sold doughnuts on the streets of General Santos, barefoot and hungry, the moment was as much personal as it was national.
“From the streets of General Santos, to the bright lights of Las Vegas, to tonight at the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” Pacquiao wrote in a Facebook post. “No shoes, no food, no chance, just a dream in my heart.”
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Above The Filipino fighter’s induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame cements a legacy that transcends sport (Photo: X / Manny Pacquiao)
The Filipino fighter’s induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame cements a legacy that transcends sport (Photo: X / Manny Pacquiao)
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More than a champion, Pacquiao is a symbol of faith and discipline. The only boxer in history to hold world titles in eight different weight divisions, he fought across decades, continents and weight classes, bringing with him a singular grit that outlasted opponents and critics alike.
In his induction speech, Pacquiao chose gratitude over bravado. “This is not just about boxing,” he said. “It’s about faith. Family. Sacrifice. Purpose. It’s about every Filipino and every fan who believed in me, even when the doubters didn’t.”
His words carried the weight of a nation that has long seen him as more than an athlete. He is a former senator, a humanitarian, a devout Christian and for many in the archipelago, a walking proof that poverty need not preclude greatness.
To his wife, Jinkee, and their children, he offered thanks. To the fans, “this is your victory too.” And to aspiring fighters: “Never let your situation limit your destiny. With God, nothing is impossible.”
Above Manny Pacquiao with wife, Jinkee (Photo: Instagram / Manny Pacquiao)
Manny Pacquiao with wife, Jinkee (Photo: Instagram / Manny Pacquiao)
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Pacquiao’s story, however, is still being written. The newly-minted Hall of Famer is set to return to the ring on July 16 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas—this time facing WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios. It’s a move that has raised eyebrows and cheers in equal measure, coming four years after his last professional bout.
Whether this return will add another title to his storied career or serve as a final curtain call remains to be seen. But in the words of the man himself: “This is our story. And the best is still to come.”
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
