Philippines’ boxing icon Manny Pacquiao continues to make history, as he leads the list of nominees on the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s 2025 election ballot. The ballot was sent out this week to an international panel of voters, sparking excitement within the boxing community.
8 division world champion Manny Pacquiao and 4 division world champion Mikey Garcia are candidates for the 2025 ballot of International Boxing Hall of Fame.#powcast #boxing
— Powcast Sports (@POWCASTSPORTS) October 2, 2024
-admin win pic.twitter.com/CM8G5Egjsn
The Hall of Fame election is a prestigious event in the boxing world, recognizing the careers and contributions of fighters, trainers, promoters, and media figures who have made an indelible impact on the sport. This year's ballot includes several prominent names, but Pacquiao's presence stands out as a global symbol of boxing excellence.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame divides its categories into several distinct groups, each designed to honor different eras and contributors to the sport. Here’s a breakdown of the categories:
This category includes boxers whose last bout was no earlier than 1989. Manny Pacquiao is included in this group, having retired in 2021 after a legendary career spanning over 26 years. He is joined by other prominent boxers, including super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute (Romania/Canada), four-division world champion Mikey Garcia (USA), and welterweight world champion Shawn Porter (USA).
Boxers in this category had their last bout no earlier than 1943 and no later than 1988. This era of fighters made significant contributions to the sport during a pivotal time in boxing history, and their inclusion in the Hall of Fame acknowledges their place in shaping modern boxing.
This group honors fighters whose last bout took place in or prior to 1982. It focuses on the early pioneers of the sport who laid the foundation for boxing as we know it today. For the 2025 class, Owen Swift from England, a bare-knuckle boxer, is nominated for his influence on the sport during its formative years.
This category, like its male counterpart, includes female boxers whose last bout occurred no earlier than 1989. Two-division world champions Yessica Chavez (Mexico) and Jessica Rakoczy (Canada) are among the prominent names on the ballot for the Hall of Fame’s 2025 Women’s Modern class.
This category celebrates female boxers who had their last bout no later than 1988. Their inclusion highlights the early struggles and triumphs of women in a male-dominated sport. Shirley Tucker, an undefeated bantamweight from the USA, is one of the top nominees for this ballot.
This category honors individuals—both men and women—who made significant contributions to the sport apart from their roles as boxers or observers. This includes trainers, referees, promoters, and other behind-the-scenes figures. For 2025, the nominees include trainer Russ Anber (Canada), referee Kenny Bayless (USA), and promoter Salvatore Cherchi (Italy).
Journalists, media executives, historians, photographers, and other key contributors to the coverage and promotion of boxing fall under this category. Among the 2025 nominees are journalist Ernesto Cherquis Bialo (Argentina), broadcaster/journalist Randy Gordon (USA), and journalist Kevin Iole (USA). These individuals have shaped how the world experiences boxing through their writing, broadcasting, and contributions to the sport’s historical record.
Manny Pacquiao’s inclusion on the Men’s Modern ballot is his first appearance, and it comes as no surprise. Known for his speed, power, and relentless work ethic, Pacquiao became a symbol of Filipino pride and one of the most iconic athletes of the 21st century.
Throughout his career, Pacquiao amassed an impressive record, becoming the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. His career highlights include victories over legends such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Márquez. His memorable fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr., although resulting in a loss, cemented Pacquiao’s status as a global superstar.
Despite retiring in 2021, Pacquiao’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of boxers. His influence extends beyond the ring, as he has pursued careers in politics, philanthropy, and entertainment, becoming a senator in the Philippines and maintaining an active presence in international humanitarian efforts.
For many, Pacquiao’s induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame is a mere formality, as his career achievements have already placed him among the all-time greats in boxing history.
In addition to fighters, this year’s ballot includes key contributors such as Canada’s Russ Anber, a highly respected trainer, and Kenny Bayless, one of boxing’s most recognizable referees. These individuals, along with promoter Salvatore Cherchi, have played vital roles in the growth of boxing as a global sport.
Journalists such as Ernesto Cherquis Bialo and Kevin Iole, as well as broadcaster Randy Gordon, have also been nominated for their work in documenting and promoting the sport. Their contributions behind the scenes have helped elevate the visibility of boxing around the world.
The ballots for the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 were sent out on October 1. Members of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and boxing historians from across the globe will cast their votes. Voters from countries such as England, Japan, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United States are participating in the election process.
The announcement of the Class of 2025 will be made in early December, and the winners will be inducted during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend from June 5 to 8 at Canastota and Turning Stone Resort Casino. This prestigious event attracts boxing fans, legends, and media from around the world.
If you’re a fan of the sport and want to stay updated on all the latest boxing news, register now in Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform.
