Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Manny Pacquiao
How Manny Pacquiao built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Manny Pacquiao, nicknamed "PacMan," is a Filipino boxing legend and former politician. He is celebrated as one of the greatest boxers ever, uniquely holding world titles across eight different weight divisions. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao served as a Senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, marking a significant transition into public service after his illustrious sports career.
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January 1995: Professional Boxing Debut
In January 1995, at the age of 16, Manny Pacquiao made his professional boxing debut as a junior flyweight, marking the beginning of his professional career.
December 4, 1998: Won First Major Title
On December 4, 1998, at the age of 19, Manny Pacquiao won his first major title, the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title, marking a significant milestone in his career.
August 2002: Exhibition Match Against Jesus Salud
In August 2002, Manny Pacquiao participated in an exhibition match against former world champion Jesus Salud, which he won.
2003: Top-Ten Active Boxer
From 2003, Manny Pacquiao was the longest reigning top-ten active boxer on The Ring's pound for pound list.
December 2005: Pacquiao stars in "Lisensyadong Kamao"
In December 2005, Manny Pacquiao played the lead role in the film "Lisensyadong Kamao (Licensed Fist)".
2005: Most Consecutive Boxing World Title Fight Victories
From 2005, Manny Pacquiao had the most consecutive boxing world title fight victories at different weights.
April 27, 2006: Enlistment as Military Reservist
On April 27, 2006, Manny Pacquiao enlisted as a military reservist in the Philippine Army with the rank of sergeant. He rose to Technical Sergeant on December 1 of the same year.
June 21, 2006: Release of "Pacquiao: The Movie"
On June 21, 2006, "Pacquiao: The Movie," a film based on Manny Pacquiao's life starring Jericho Rosales, was released but did poorly at the box office.
2006: Manny Pacquiao's album releases start in 2006
In 2006, Manny Pacquiao began releasing music albums, continuing until 2015.
February 12, 2007: Pacquiao announces campaign for Philippine House seat
On February 12, 2007, Manny Pacquiao announced his candidacy for a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives for the 1st District of South Cotabato. He initially ran under the Liberal Party but was later forced to run under KAMPI and was ultimately defeated by Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
September 2007: Pacquiao signs with GMA Network as actor and host
In September 2007, Manny Pacquiao signed with GMA Network as an actor and host after his contract with ABS-CBN expired.
October 7, 2007: Promotion to Master Sergeant
On October 7, 2007, Manny Pacquiao was promoted to Master Sergeant, which is the highest rank for enlisted personnel in the Philippine Army reserve force.
2008: Pacquiao stars in "Anak ng Kumander"
In 2008, Manny Pacquiao starred in the movie "Anak ng Kumander (Child of a Commander)" alongside Ara Mina and Valerie Concepcion. The movie was not a commercial success.
May 4, 2009: Promotion to Senior Master Sergeant
On May 4, 2009, Manny Pacquiao was given the special rank of Senior Master Sergeant and was designated as the Command Sergeant Major of the 15th Ready Reserve Division in the Philippine Army.
November 3, 2009: Pacquiao sings "Sometimes When We Touch" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On November 3, 2009, Manny Pacquiao performed "Sometimes When We Touch" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, marking his first singing performance on American TV.
November 21, 2009: Pacquiao announces second congressional run
On November 21, 2009, Manny Pacquiao announced his second attempt for a congressional seat, this time in Sarangani province, his wife's hometown.
December 25, 2009: Release of Wapakman
On December 25, 2009, Manny Pacquiao's superhero/comedy film "Wapakman" was released as an entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival, but it was not commercially successful.
March 3, 2010: Pacquiao sings "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On March 3, 2010, Manny Pacquiao returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! to sing "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You."
May 2010: Pacquiao elected to House of Representatives
In May 2010, Manny Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Sarangani province, securing a landslide victory over Roy Chiongbian.
June 25, 2010: Completion of Development Legislation Course
On June 25, 2010, Manny Pacquiao completed a 10-day crash course on Development Legislation and Governance at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
November 13, 2010: Won WBC Super Welterweight Title
On November 13, 2010, Manny Pacquiao defeated Antonio Margarito to win the WBC Super Welterweight title, earning him a Guinness World Record for winning boxing world titles in eight different weight divisions.
2010: Representation of Sarangani District
In 2010, Manny Pacquiao began representing the lone district of Sarangani as a congressman. He officially resided in Kiamba, Sarangani, the hometown of his wife, Jinkee Jamora, from 2010 to 2016.
2010: Pacquiao's political involvements in 2010
In 2010, Manny Pacquiao delivered a praised speech on human trafficking. However, he faced criticism for appearing uninformed during discussions about the reproductive health bill.
2010: Elected as Representative of Sarangani
In 2010, Manny Pacquiao entered politics and was elected as the representative of Sarangani, beginning his political career.
April 2011: Pacquiao releases single "Sometimes When We Touch"
In April 2011, Manny Pacquiao released a single of "Sometimes When We Touch", which reached number 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
2011: Most Consecutive Boxing World Title Fight Victories
Until 2011, Manny Pacquiao achieved the most consecutive boxing world title fight victories at different weights, with 15.
2012: Losses in 2012
Until his losses in 2012, Manny Pacquiao was consistently rated as the best active boxer in the world, pound for pound, by various sports news and boxing websites.
2013: Pacquiao re-elected to Congress
In 2013, Manny Pacquiao was re-elected to the 16th Congress of the Philippines, running unopposed. His wife, Jinkee, was elected as vice-governor of Sarangani.
April 17, 2014: Joined Philippine Basketball Association
On April 17, 2014, Manny Pacquiao announced his intention to join the Philippine Basketball Association as the playing coach of Kia Motors Basketball team, also picking himself in the first round of the 2014 PBA draft.
September 4, 2014: Trained with the Golden State Warriors
On September 4, 2014, Manny Pacquiao trained with the Golden State Warriors at their training facility in preparation for his PBA stint.
2014: Player-Coach for PBA Team
From 2014, Manny Pacquiao served as the player-coach for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Kia/Mahindra.
February 18, 2015: Pacquiao scores one point in basketball game
On February 18, 2015, Manny Pacquiao briefly played basketball, scoring one point for the Sorento team in a game against Purefoods. Daniel Orton, Purefoods' import, made disparaging comments about Pacquiao playing professional basketball, which led to Orton being fined and replaced.
April 15, 2015: Release of Kid Kulafu
On April 15, 2015, Kid Kulafu, a film based on Manny Pacquiao's early life in boxing, was released. The movie featured actor Buboy Villar portraying Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and dramatized his childhood experiences.
May 2, 2015: Highest Selling Pay-Per-View Boxing Match
On May 2, 2015, Manny Pacquiao was involved in the highest selling pay-per-view boxing match in a Welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, generating the highest revenue from ticket sales for a boxing match, both earning him Guinness World Records.
October 5, 2015: Pacquiao declares Senate run
On October 5, 2015, Manny Pacquiao formally announced his candidacy for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party.
October 25, 2015: Pacquiao Makes First Field Goal in PBA
On October 25, 2015, Manny Pacquiao scored his first field goal in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) during a game where his team lost 108–94 against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
2015: Generated $1.2 Billion in Revenue
As of 2015, Manny Pacquiao's fights had generated $1.2 billion in revenue from his 25 pay-per-view bouts, showcasing his significant impact on the sport's financial landscape.
2015: Signed with Top Rank
From 2015, Manny Pacquiao signed with Bob Arum's Top Rank.
2015: Pacquiao releases extended play and retires from music
In 2015, Manny Pacquiao released an extended play featuring his entrance song for his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and announced his retirement from music.
2015: Manny Pacquiao's album releases end in 2015
Manny Pacquiao continued releasing music albums until 2015.
May 19, 2016: Pacquiao elected as senator
On May 19, 2016, Manny Pacquiao was officially elected as a senator in the Philippines, garnering over 16 million votes.
August 21, 2016: Pacquiao scores career-high four points in PBA
On August 21, 2016, Manny Pacquiao achieved a career-high of four points in a PBA game against the Blackwater Elite, also making his first three-point field goal.
September 18, 2016: Pacquiao facilitates removal of Leila de Lima from Senate committee
On September 18, 2016, Manny Pacquiao played a role in the removal of Leila de Lima, a critic of Duterte, from her position as chairperson of the Senate Justice committee.
2016: Executive Coaching Program
From June 8 to 17, 2016, Manny Pacquiao underwent a 9-day Executive Coaching Program crash course conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines, the Ateneo School of Government, the Asian Institute of Management, and the Philippine Public Safety College after he won a senate seat in 2016.
2016: Declined 2016 Summer Olympics
In 2016, Manny Pacquiao had the opportunity to compete in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but he decided not to participate.
2016: Elected as Senator of the Philippines
In 2016, Manny Pacquiao was elected as a senator of the Philippines, marking a significant step in his political career.
2016: End of Reign as Top-Ten Active Boxer
In 2016, Manny Pacquiao's reign as the longest top-ten active boxer on The Ring's pound for pound list came to an end.
2016: End of Congressional Term
In 2016, Manny Pacquiao's term as the congressman representing the lone district of Sarangani came to an end. Upon his election to the Senate of the Philippines in 2016, he returned his official residence to General Santos.
2017: End of PBA Coaching Role
In 2017, Manny Pacquiao ended his tenure as player-coach for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Kia/Mahindra, concluding his time with the team.
2017: Pacquiao founds Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
In 2017, Manny Pacquiao established the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which started as a semi-professional league.
2017: End of Top Rank Agreement
In 2017, Manny Pacquiao's agreement with Top Rank came to an end, marking a change in his promotional affiliations.
2017: Pacquiao defends Paolo Duterte in Senate hearing
In 2017, during a Senate hearing, Manny Pacquiao defended Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte from allegations related to a seized shipment of illegal drugs.
2018: Pacquiao files Senate bills and supports capital punishment
As of 2018, Manny Pacquiao had filed 31 Senate bills during the 17th Congress. He also co-sponsored a bill supporting the return of capital punishment.
2018: Pacquiao retires from basketball league
In 2018, Manny Pacquiao officially retired from the basketball league after playing ten games over three seasons. Rumors of him transferring to Blackwater were circulating before the retirement announcement.
2018: Signed with Premier Boxing Champions
In 2018, Manny Pacquiao signed with Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promotion, a key move in his boxing career.
June 2019: Pacquiao's poor attendance record in Senate revealed
In June 2019, data released by the Philippine Senate showed that Manny Pacquiao had the worst attendance record among senators in the 17th Congress, though he still managed to enact four laws.
July 2019: Oldest Welterweight World Champion
In July 2019, at the age of 40, Manny Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman to win the WBA (Super) welterweight title, becoming the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history and a recognized four-time welterweight champion.
July 20, 2019: Oldest Welterweight Boxing World Champion
On July 20, 2019, Manny Pacquiao became the oldest welterweight boxing world champion when he claimed the WBA Welterweight title at 40 years 215 days old, earning him a Guinness World Record.
December 11, 2019: Graduation from University of Makati
On December 11, 2019, Manny Pacquiao controversially graduated from the University of Makati with a bachelor's degree in political science, majoring in local government administration. He completed the degree through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in one year.
2019: Pacquiao announces plans to own an NBA team
In 2019, Manny Pacquiao declared his intention to own a National Basketball Association (NBA) team after his boxing career concludes.
June 2020: Bob Arum reveals Pacquiao's plans to run for president in 2022
As early as June 2020, Manny Pacquiao's former promoter Bob Arum disclosed that Pacquiao expressed intentions to run for president in 2022.
December 2020: Pacquiao becomes acting party president of PDP-Laban
In December 2020, Manny Pacquiao was appointed acting party president of PDP–Laban after Koko Pimentel's resignation, leading to a dispute over the position later on.
2020: Pacquiao helps bring COVID-19 test kits to Philippines
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Manny Pacquiao collaborated with Jack Ma of Alibaba Group to donate 50,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Philippines through their respective charity foundations.
2020: Became Leader of PDP–Laban Party
In 2020, Manny Pacquiao became the leader of the PDP–Laban party, marking his rise within the political landscape (though this was disputed since 2021).
2020: Signed with Paradigm Sports Management
In 2020, Manny Pacquiao signed with Paradigm Sports Management, expanding his management affiliations.
2020: Pacquiao cast as General Miguel Malvar in biopic
In 2020, Manny Pacquiao was selected to play General Miguel Malvar in the film "Malvar: Tuloy ang Laban", a biopic about the Philippine hero, which garnered mixed reactions from the Malvar family.
May 2021: Pacquiao files bill to create Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission
In May 2021, Senator Manny Pacquiao introduced a bill to establish the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission, which faced criticism from Senator Pia Cayetano regarding its timing during the coronavirus pandemic.
June 2021: Pacquiao criticizes Duterte's stance on South China Sea and corruption
In June 2021, Manny Pacquiao voiced concerns about President Duterte's response to China's claims in the South China Sea and also claimed that the Duterte administration is corrupt. This led to a public rebuke from Duterte and a challenge to Pacquiao to name corrupt individuals or face a negative campaign.
September 19, 2021: Declared Candidacy for President of the Philippines
On September 19, 2021, Manny Pacquiao officially declared his candidacy for President of the Philippines in the upcoming 2022 election.
September 29, 2021: Announced Retirement from Boxing
On September 29, 2021, Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing in a post on social media, marking the end of his professional boxing career at the time.
2021: Mobile Game Development and Inspiration
In 2021, Ranida Games announced the development of Fighting Pride: The Manny Pacquiao Saga, a mobile game centered around Manny Pacquiao's boxing career. Also in this year, the mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang released the playable character Paquito, inspired by Pacquiao, including a character skin resembling the boxer.
March 2022: Pacquiao struggles in presidential surveys
By March 2022, Manny Pacquiao was struggling in the presidential surveys, with low ratings ranging from fourth to fifth place among candidates and disapproval ratings going up.
March 2022: Pacquiao challenges Marcos to debate amid estate tax issue
In March 2022, amidst news about Bongbong Marcos' unsettled estate tax, Manny Pacquiao challenged Marcos to a debate and criticized those who would vote for a "plunderer".
May 2022: Pacquiao calls for the release of Senator Leila De Lima
In May 2022, Manny Pacquiao advocated for the "speedy release" of Senator Leila De Lima after witnesses retracted their testimonies against her, despite previously linking her to drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.
2022: Master's Degree from Philippine Christian University
In 2022, Manny Pacquiao graduated from Philippine Christian University with a master's degree in management, majoring in public administration.
2022: Lost Presidential Election
In 2022, Manny Pacquiao lost the Philippine presidential election to Bongbong Marcos, ending his presidential bid.
2022: End of Senate Term
In 2022, Manny Pacquiao's term as a senator of the Philippines came to an end, concluding his service in that role.
2022: Duterte threatens negative campaign against Pacquiao
In 2022, President Duterte threatened to launch a negative campaign against Manny Pacquiao if the senator didn't name individuals or agencies involved in corruption.
2022: MPBL turns professional
In 2022, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which was founded by Manny Pacquiao, transitioned into a professional league.
2022: Speculation about Pacquiao's presidential run
Throughout 2022, speculations arose regarding a potential presidential bid by Manny Pacquiao, further fueled by his own expressions of interest.
September 23, 2023: Eman Bacosa's Professional Boxing Debut
On September 23, 2023, Eman Bacosa, Manny Pacquiao's son, made his professional boxing debut, which ended in a draw. In December, he dedicated his win against Noel Pangantao to his father.
December 15, 2023: Eman Bacosa Dedicates Win to Manny Pacquiao
On December 15, 2023, Eman Bacosa dedicated his win against Noel Pangantao to his father, Manny Pacquiao. In 2023, he made his professional boxing debut, which ended in a draw.
July 28, 2024: Super RIZIN 3 Debut
On July 28, 2024, Manny Pacquiao made his debut on Super RIZIN 3 in an exhibition featherweight bout against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, which ended in a draw under Rizin Special standing bout rules.
August 2024: Lawsuit Verdict Overturned
In August 2024, the verdict against Manny Pacquiao in the Paradigm Sports Management lawsuit was overturned. The court found that Audie Attar, when signing the contract to represent Pacquiao, did not possess the required management license under California law.
September 26, 2024: Pacquiao named senatorial candidate for 2025 elections
On September 26, 2024, Manny Pacquiao was announced as a senatorial candidate for the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas in the upcoming 2025 elections, running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.
October 7, 2024: Pacquiao formalizes Senate bid
On October 7, 2024, Manny Pacquiao officially filed his certificate of candidacy for senator, formalizing his bid for the Senate.
2024: Disallowed to Participate
In 2024, Manny Pacquiao signified his interest to qualify for the Summer Olympics in France, but was disallowed to participate after the IOC upheld the 40-year-old age limit.
July 2025: Bout Against Mario Barrios
Manny Pacquiao's most recent bout was against Mario Barrios in July 2025.
October 2025: Vice President of the International Boxing Association
In October 2025, Manny Pacquiao was appointed as vice president of the International Boxing Association, an organization which has been expelled from the International Olympic Committee.
November 2025: Launch of MannyPay
In November 2025, Manny Pacquiao launched MannyPay, an electronic wallet platform aimed at offering lower transfer fees and incorporating remittance and cryptocurrency services.
November 30, 2025: Jimuel Pacquiao's Professional Boxing Debut
On November 30, 2025, Jimuel Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao's eldest son, made his professional boxing debut, ending in a majority draw. Jimuel is also a model & actor.
2025: Unsuccessful Senate Campaign and Retirement Announcement
Following an unsuccessful campaign in the 2025 Senate election, Manny Pacquiao announced his intention to retire from politics and came out of retirement from boxing.
2025: Pacquiao Loses Senate Bid
In 2025, Manny Pacquiao lost his bid for the Senate, placing 18th with 10,397,133 votes. Subsequently, he considered leaving politics to return to boxing.
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