Manny Pacquiao inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame

Metro Manila, Philippines - Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao was inducted into the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame on Monday in New York, USA.

The 46-year-old Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport, joined fellow Filipino boxers Pancho Villa, Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, and promoter Lope Sarreal in the exclusive club.

"From the streets of General Santos, to the bright lights of Las Vegas, to tonight at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. No shoes, no food, no chance, just a dream in my heart," Pacquiao, who owns a win-loss-draw record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts, wrote on his social media account.

"I never imagined this moment, but by God’s grace, here we are. This is not just about boxing. 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," he added.

Also enshrined to the Hall of Fame were Vinny Paz, Michael Nunn, Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, and Mary Jo Sanders.

Pacquiao started his boxing career during his teenage years fighting his way in Manila in an attempt to provide a better life for his family in the province.

He won his first major title in 1998 after he defeated Thailand's Chatchai Sasakul for the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title.

Over the course of his decorated career under the guidance of Freddie Roach, he battled some of the biggest stars such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar Dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, Brandon Rios, Timothy Bradley, and most notably, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao's last professional fight was against Cuban Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he lost via unanimous decision.

Pacquiao will return to the ring against Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA.