The International Boxing Hall of Fame has announced its class of 2025, and Manny Pacquiao leads the way.
The Filipino superstar was always going to go in on the first ballot, but he’s been joined by Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz in the men’s modern category, while the women’s class includes Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Yessica Chavez. Cathy Davis is in the women’s trailblazer category, while Las Vegas referee Kenny Bayless and Al Gavin (posthumously) are also in. The late Harry Gibbs, one of Britain’s finest referees is also going to be enshrined alongside Bayless and Gavin in the non-participant bracket, while in the broadcaster/journalist category, Randy Gordon and HBO producer Ross Greenburg go in.
Excellent middleweight Rodrigo Valdez, who boxed the likes of Bennie Briscoe, Carlos Monzon, and Gratien Tonna is in the Old Timer’s category and English bareknuckler Owen Swift goes in as a pioneer.
“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2025 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor,” said executive director Edward Brophy.
Decorated Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach was the first to congratulate his star student, Pacquiao.
“I opened my gym, Wild Card Boxing Club, in hopes that the next Muhammad Ali would walk through the door,” said Roach. “Little did I know that in 2001, my Muhammad Ali would weigh 122 pounds. His name was Manny Pacquiao, and he was and still is the pride of the Philippines. For 20 years, after Manny and I first did mitts in the ring at Wild Card, we trained together for some of the biggest fights. As his collection of world championship belts grew, so did his presence in boxing and the world. Today’s announcement that Manny will be a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 makes me incredibly proud. As much as I loved working together with Manny all those years, I’m even happier sharing the same wall with him at the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”
COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS
“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift. 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.” – Manny Pacquiao
“Thank God. I’ve been waiting on this moment for so long. God has truly blessed me. I want to thank the International Boxing Hall of Fame and all the voters. This is the highest achievement a boxer can have in the sport. As a small town guy from Iowa to reach the highest achievement in boxing makes me proud. This is the crowning moment of my career.” – Michael Nunn
“This is awesome! I love it. Wow! This is the best phone call I’ve ever taken! I’m so glad. Love it, love it, love it!” – Vinny Paz
“I gave everything to boxing. It was my work and my life but the most beautiful things in my life came from boxing. It is a legacy I will leave to my daughter. I’m amazed and this fills my heart so much. Boxing keeps giving me all the best.” – Yessica Chavez
“This is amazing news. I am overwhelmed. To be recognized by my peers is absolutely amazing. I am overjoyed.” – Mary Jo Sanders
“This is the most coveted award in the sport of boxing. I am truly humbled and thankful to the voting panel and to God for this honor.” – Kenny Bayless
“I’ve got a lot of great phone calls during my career – from Bert Sugar to be editor of The Ring to the governor to become the commissioner of New York. But this is the greatest boxing business call in my entire life. Am I dreaming? Is this true?” – Randy Gordon
“It’s a beautiful honor. I put my heart into it and all the colleagues I worked with over the years put everything into it as well and it’s an honor to represent them.” – Ross Greenburg
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