Boxing's Elite Set to Be Inducted in 2025

Men's Modern Category

Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz join Manny Pacquiao in this prestigious category. Michael Nunn, a boxer from Iowa, has waited a long time for this moment. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "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." Vinny Paz was equally excited, stating, "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!"

These two boxers bring a unique flavor to the men's modern category, adding to the rich tapestry of boxing history.

Women's Class

Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Yessica Chavez make up the women's class. Yessica Chavez shared her emotions, saying, "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." Mary Jo Sanders was overwhelmed, stating, "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."

These women have made significant contributions to the sport and are now rightfully recognized in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Trailblazers and Referees

Cathy Davis in the women's trailblazer category and Las Vegas referee Kenny Bayless and Al Gavin (posthumously) bring their own stories to the Hall of Fame. Kenny Bayless expressed his joy, saying, "This is amazing news. I am overwhelmed. To be recognized by my peers is absolutely amazing. I am overjoyed."

Their presence adds another layer of significance to the induction class.

Old Timer's Category

Excellent middleweight Rodrigo Valdez, who boxed against the likes of Bennie Briscoe, Carlos Monzon, and Gratien Tonna, is in the Old Timer's category. His career has left a lasting mark on the sport.

English bareknuckler Owen Swift goes in as a pioneer, further expanding the Hall of Fame's diverse roster.

Trainer's Perspective

Decorated Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach was the first to congratulate his star student, Pacquiao. He said, "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. 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."

Roach's words highlight the significance of Pacquiao's induction and his role in shaping the boxer's career.

Manny Pacquiao himself had this to say upon receiving the 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."

Each of these inductees has a story to tell, and their induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame is a testament to their contributions to the sport.