On Thursday, the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced the newest class of inductees.
The Class of 2025 includes Manny Pacquiao, Vinny Paz, and Michael Nunn in the Men’s Modern category.
Pacquiao, who was on the ballot for the first time, finished his career as an eight-division world champion, while Nunn held belts at middleweight and super middleweight.
Paz held titles at lightweight and super welterweight.
Here are some reactions from Pacquiao, Nunn, andPaz:
“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” Pacquiao said. 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.
Others to be inducted into IBHOF:
Yessica “Kika” Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category; Cathy “Cat” Davis in the Women’s Trailblazer category;
Referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin (posthumous), and referee Harry Gibbs (posthumous) in the Non-Participant category; broadcaster / journalist Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg in the Observer category; Rodrigo Valdez (posthumous) in the Old Timer category and Owen Swift (posthumous) in the Pioneer category.
All inductees will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, June 5-8, 2025, in Canastota, NY.
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