Manny Pacquiao inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame
Manny Pacquiao delivers a knockout speech to a crowd of nearly a thousand fans and supporters during his Boxing Hall of Fame induction. Photo by Elton Lugay
CANASTOTA, N.Y. — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in history, was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8, joining the sport’s most revered figures in an emotional ceremony attended by about 1,000 fans and supporters.
The annual Hall of Fame induction, a tradition since 1990, honors boxing’s greatest contributors. This year’s four-hour program featured speeches from both living and posthumous inductees, with Pacquiao’s enshrinement as the highlight of the afternoon.
Pacquiao, 46, became the first boxer to enter the Hall while actively preparing for a comeback fight. He is scheduled to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, aiming to become the first fighter to win a world title as a Hall of Famer.
Accompanied by his wife, Jinkee, Pacquiao arrived in Canastota over the weekend, attending a gala in his honor and joining a parade through downtown Sunday morning.
Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao bring star power to the Banquet of Champions at Turning Stone Casino in Canastota. Photo from @jinkeepacquiao/Instagram
On the sidelines of the induction ceremony at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Showroom, Jinkee – a former Sarangani vice governor – expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans and supporters of the “People’s Champ.”
Speaking to Inquirer.net USA, Jinkee thanked the Hall of Fame organizers for honoring Manny and dedicated the recognition to his global fanbase. She also called on supporters to keep Manny in their prayers as he prepares for his upcoming fight in Las Vegas.
“We are so grateful for the love and support you have shown Manny through the years,” she said. “This honor is for all of you. Please continue to pray for him as he takes on this new challenge.”
The couple took a break from Pacquiao’s rigorous training with longtime coach Freddie Roach, flying by private plane from Los Angeles to Canastota to join the festivities.
Manny Pacquiao and longtime trainer Freddie Roach share a ringside moment at the Banquet of Champions on the eve of boxing’s biggest honor. Photo from @jinkeepacquiao/Instagram
Among the many fans who made the journey to Canastota was Milagros dela Cruz, a baby nurse based in Queens who traveled four hours just to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao.
Dela Cruz said she isn’t bothered by the fact that Pacquiao is being inducted while still preparing for another fight – a rarity, as most Hall of Fame inductees are retired boxers.
“The fight next month in Vegas, win or lose, doesn’t matter to me because Manny has already proven to the world what a great boxer he is,” Dela Cruz told Inquirer.net USA.
The People’s Champ, larger than life – a portrait of Manny Pacquiao as seen on the big screen. Photo by Elton Lugay
“I’m just glad that he’s fighting again to give us fans another reason to support him and another opportunity to show the world that for Filipino boxers, age is just a number.”
Chris Clarke, a Filipino American director of community events and former roadie for Pacquiao in the Philippines, echoed her sentiments.
“We don’t have the right to dictate when and how Manny should retire; all we can do is support him,” he said. “After all, whether he wins or loses, he carries our flag in the ring, and that to me is enough to give our country honor and pride.”
Manny Pacquiao joins fellow Hall of Fame inductees in a closed-fist salute – signaling respect, discipline, and a fighter’s spirit. Photo by Elton Lugay
As for Rasmin Diaz, a singer who has watched many of Pacquiao’s fights in Las Vegas, added that she misses Manny’s ferocious attacks in the ring and hopes to see him win the belt once more.
“I have a great feeling about this fight,” she said. “I think Manny is going to be victorious and, like before, people would stop and watch him fight. I like it when we as Filipinos unite to root together for our country’s pride and joy – it’s a wonderful feeling.”
During his speech, Pacquiao fought back tears as he reflected on his remarkable journey from poverty in the Philippines to global stardom.
Chris Clarke and Miles dela Cruz drove four hours from Queens, N.Y., just to catch a glimpse of their boxing hero. Photo by Elton Lugay
“I came from nothing. Just a small boy from the streets of General Santos City. No shoes, no food, no chance. Just a dream in my heart,” Pacquiao said.
“I know hunger. I know pain. I know what it means to be counted out. But I also know what God can do when you keep the faith and never give up.”
He credited boxing with transforming his life, saying, “Boxing gave me a way out. It turned my struggles into strength, my failures into lessons, and my pain into purpose. Every fight, every victory was a step further from poverty – not just for me, but for my family, for the Filipino people, and for all the fans, and for the glory of our God.”
Pacquiao thanked his longtime promoters Bob Arum and Al Haymon, his coaches Freddie Roach, Buboy Fernandez, Justin Fortune and his family.
Singer Rasmin Diaz, a proud Pacquiao fan, strikes a pose by the 2025 Boxing Hall of Fame inductees list at Turning Stone Casino. Photo by Elton Lugay
“To my wife Jinkee and our children – you are my heart. You are the reason I fight beyond the ring,” he said.
He also dedicated his induction to “every underdog, every dreamer, every person who keeps fighting even when the odds are against them,” urging young people not to let their circumstances define their future.
“With God, nothing is impossible,” he said, quoting Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Other inductees shared their own stories of humble beginnings, underscoring the perseverance and grit that define boxing’s greatest champions.
As Pacquiao concluded his speech, he reminded fans that his story is far from over.
“This is our victory. This is our story, and the best is yet to come,” he said, drawing a standing ovation.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame has enshrined legends for 35 years, but Pacquiao’s unique journey – and his decision to return to the ring after induction – marks a new chapter in boxing history.
Pacquiao’s upcoming bout against Barrios will be closely watched, not just by his loyal Filipino fans but by the global boxing community.
If victorious, Pacquiao will make history as the first Hall of Famer to win a world title after induction, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Located in Canastota, New York, the International Boxing Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to honor boxing’s greatest fighters, trainers and contributors. The Hall’s annual induction weekend draws fans from around the world and serves as a celebration of the sport’s enduring impact.
