Manny Pacquiao Leads the Way in 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame Ballot
Every year, the International Boxing Hall of Fame faces the challenge of selecting exactly three boxers for induction into its prestigious ranks. With the rule that only fighters whose last professional bout occurred no earlier than 1989 are eligible for the Men’s Modern Boxers category, some years it’s tough to even find one standout candidate, let alone five to vote for. But this year? This year was different. This year, the choice was as clear as day.
Why? Because it’s Manny Pacquiao’s first year of eligibility. And let’s be honest, if Pacquiao doesn’t get in unanimously, it would be nothing short of a travesty. The Hall of Fame requires fighters to be at least three years removed from their last fight to qualify, and Pacquiao’s final bout—a decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021—meets that criteria. The class of 2025 will be announced Thursday morning, but it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Pacquiao isn’t the headliner.
The Legacy of “Pacman”
Pacquiao wasn’t just a boxer; he was a phenomenon. He put the Philippines on the global boxing map and became one of the sport’s most beloved and electrifying figures. Known as “Pacman,” he was a whirlwind in the ring, capturing titles in a record eight weight classes. Think about that for a second—he started his career at 108 pounds and won his final title at 154 pounds. That’s not just impressive; it’s historic.
He was also a box-office juggernaut. Pacquiao headlined countless sold-out events in Las Vegas and was a pay-per-view king, with several of his fights crossing the 1 million-buy mark. And, of course, he was one-half of the richest fight in boxing history: his 2015 showdown with Floyd Mayweather. Sure, the fight happened about five years too late, but it still shattered revenue records and cemented Pacquiao’s place in the sport’s pantheon.
What truly endeared Pacquiao to fans, though, was his fighting spirit. He never backed down, never gave up, and always brought the action. His epic four-fight series with Juan Manuel Marquez and his trilogy with Erik “Terrible” Morales are the stuff of legend. Pacquiao wasn’t just a fighter; he was a warrior.
Antonio Tarver: A Controversial Second Pick
While Pacquiao was an easy choice for me, the rest of the ballot wasn’t so straightforward. Ultimately, I cast just one other vote—for Antonio Tarver. The longtime light heavyweight champion has been on the ballot since 2019, and while he’s not a slam-dunk candidate, I believe he deserves the honor.
Tarver’s resume includes some truly iconic moments, none bigger than his stunning second-round TKO of Roy Jones Jr. in their 2004 rematch. At the time, Jones seemed invincible—he had never even been knocked down. But Tarver’s perfectly timed counter left cross changed all that, leaving Jones struggling to get to his feet. It was a moment that shocked the boxing world.
Tarver also avenged a controversial loss to Glen Johnson and defeated Jones again in their third fight. However, his career wasn’t without its setbacks. He lost to Bernard Hopkins in a one-sided bout and later faced issues with performance-enhancing drugs. Tarver tested positive for banned substances twice, which has undoubtedly hurt his Hall of Fame chances. Still, he remains adamant about his place in boxing history.
“I beat some of the best fighters in the world,” Tarver told ESPN. “And I did it consistently. I’m a four-time world champion but I was never favored to win a title. … I believe if they take their personal feelings out and take it from my accomplishments, it’s hard to say I’m not a bona fide Hall of Famer.”
Other Names on the Ballot
Three other fighters appeared on the ballot for the first time this year: Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia, and Lucian Bute. While all three had impressive careers, I ultimately decided not to vote for any of them. Here’s why:
- Shawn Porter: A welterweight champion who made several title defenses, Porter was always competitive but lacked a signature victory. His closest moment came in a thrilling fight with Errol Spence Jr. in 2019, but he fell short.
- Mikey Garcia: A four-division champion and pound-for-pound staple, Garcia also lacked a defining win. His most high-profile fight was a shutout loss to Spence in 2019.
- Lucian Bute: A major attraction in Canada, Bute never secured a marquee victory and ended his career with three consecutive losses.
The PED Shadow Over Tarver
Tarver’s failed drug tests remain a sticking point for many voters. After a win over Lateef Kayode in 2012, he tested positive for drostanolone, a banned substance, and the result was changed to a no contest. Then, in 2015, he tested positive for synthetic testosterone following a draw with Steve Cunningham. Tarver insists he’s been unfairly singled out, pointing out that other fighters with PED links have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
“I’m the scapegoat,” Tarver said.
Final Thoughts
While Pacquiao is a lock for induction, the rest of the ballot sparks plenty of debate. Whether it’s Tarver’s controversial candidacy or the omission of fighters like Porter, Garcia, and Bute, the Hall of Fame voting process always stirs strong opinions. One thing is certain, though: Manny Pacquiao’s legacy is undeniable, and his place in the Hall of Fame is well-deserved.
Originally Written by: Mike Coppinger
