"Legends Unite: Manny Pacquiao, Vinny Paz, and Michael Nunn Headline 2025 Induction into Boxing's Hall of Fame"
The International Boxing Hall of Fame has unveiled its star-studded Class of 2025, with the legendary Manny Pacquiao at the forefront. Joining him are boxing greats like Michael Nunn, Vinny Paz, Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Yessica Chavez, among others, in various categories.
Reflecting on the remarkable announcement, Edward Brophy, the executive director, expressed, "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."
Freddie Roach, reminiscing on his journey with Pacquiao, shared, "I opened my gym, Wild Card Boxing Club, in hopes that the next Muhammad Ali would walk through the door. 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." Roach's pride was palpable as he looked forward to sharing the Hall of Fame acknowledgment with his cherished protégé.
In response to the prestigious recognition, Pacquiao expressed his gratitude, "I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift." His humility and dedication to bringing honor to the Philippines were evident in his heartfelt words.
The other inductees also shared their joy and gratitude:
- Michael Nunn: "Thank God. I’ve been waiting on this moment for so long. God has truly blessed me."
- Vinny Paz: "This is awesome! I love it. Wow! This is the best phone call I’ve ever taken!"
- Yessica Chavez: "I gave everything to boxing. It was my work and my life but the most beautiful things in my life came from boxing."
- Mary Jo Sanders: "This is amazing news. I am overwhelmed. To be recognized by my peers is absolutely amazing."
- Kenny Bayless: "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."
- Randy Gordon: "I’ve got a lot of great phone calls during my career, but this is the greatest boxing business call in my entire life."
- Ross Greenburg: "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."
The Class of 2025 is a testament to the enduring legacy and impact of these boxing icons, and their induction is a celebration of their incredible contributions to the sport.
