Manny Pacquiao's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Manny Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao, nicknamed "PacMan", is a Filipino icon celebrated as one of boxing's all-time greats. He holds the distinction of being the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, demonstrating unparalleled versatility and skill across weight classes. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao also served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, showcasing his commitment to public service and his nation.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

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.

2003: Start of Pound for Pound Reign

From 2003, Manny Pacquiao began his climb to lightweight and was rated as the best active boxer in the world, pound for pound.

2005: Start of Consecutive Title Fight Victories

From 2005, Manny Pacquiao began his 15 consecutive boxing world title fight victories at different weights.

2006: Fighter of the Year Award

In 2006, Manny Pacquiao was awarded Ring magazine, ESPN and BWAA's Fighter of the Year.

February 2007: High School Equivalency Diploma

In February 2007, Manny Pacquiao passed a high school equivalency exam and was awarded a high school diploma by the Department of Education.

November 2008: Featured on Reader's Digest Asia Cover

In November 2008, Manny Pacquiao was featured on the cover of Reader's Digest Asia, with a seven-page story highlighting his boxing career and achievements. The issue came out before Pacquiao's fight against De La Hoya.

2008: Sixth Highest Paid Athlete

Forbes listed Manny Pacquiao as the world's equal sixth highest paid athlete from the second half of 2008 to the first half of 2009.

2008: Fighter of the Year Award

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao was awarded Ring magazine, ESPN and BWAA's Fighter of the Year.

2008: Philippine Flag Bearer

Manny Pacquiao was the Philippine delegation's flag bearer at the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, being the first non-participant to hold the role.

November 16, 2009: Featured on Time Magazine Asia Cover

On November 16, 2009, Manny Pacquiao was featured on the cover of Time magazine Asia, recognized for his charisma, intelligence, and influence in boxing. The article highlighted Pacquiao's ability to revive the sport and his appeal to global brands like Nike.

2009: Awards and Fighter of the Year

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao was awarded Ring magazine, ESPN and BWAA's Fighter of the Year, and he also won the Best Fighter ESPY Award.

2009: Included in Time's 100 and Forbes Celebrity 100

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, recognizing his boxing exploits and influence among Filipinos. Pacquiao was also included in Forbes' Celebrity 100 list for 2009, alongside Angelina Jolie and other athletes.

2009: Won ESPY Award and Ranked Eighth

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao won the ESPY Awards for the Best Fighter category and was ranked eighth in Forbes' list of highest paid athletes.

May 2010: Pacquiao elected to House of Representatives

In May 2010, Manny Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani.

November 13, 2010: Won WBC Super Welterweight Title

On November 13, 2010, Manny Pacquiao won the WBC Super Welterweight title, marking his eighth world title in different weight divisions.

2010: Top Earning Athlete

ESPN Magazine reported that Manny Pacquiao was one of the two top earning athletes for 2010, earning $32 million for his two boxing matches against Clottey and Margarito.

April 2011: Pacquiao records "Sometimes When We Touch" as a single

In April 2011, Manny Pacquiao recorded Dan Hill's "Sometimes When We Touch" as a single, which reached number 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Loading Video...

2011: Best Fighter ESPY Award

In 2011, Manny Pacquiao won the Best Fighter ESPY Award.

2012: Second Highest Paid Athlete

In 2012, Forbes ranked Manny Pacquiao as the second highest paid athlete in the world.

2013: Pacquiao re-elected to Congress, wife elected vice-governor

In 2013, Manny Pacquiao was re-elected to the 16th Congress of the Philippines, running unopposed. His wife, Jinkee, was also elected as vice-governor of Sarangani.

2015: Second Highest Paid Athlete

According to Forbes, in 2015 Manny Pacquiao was the world's second highest paid athlete.

May 19, 2016: Pacquiao elected as a senator

On May 19, 2016, Manny Pacquiao was formally elected as a senator by the Commission on Elections, garnering over 16 million votes.

2016: Ranked No. 2 on ESPN

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao ranked No. 2 on ESPN's list of top pound for pound boxers of the past 25 years.

July 2019: Welterweight Champion

In July 2019, at the age of 40, Manny Pacquiao became the oldest welterweight world champion in history after defeating Keith Thurman, also becoming the first four-time welterweight champion.

July 20, 2019: Oldest Welterweight Champion

On July 20, 2019, Manny Pacquiao became the oldest welterweight boxing world champion at 40 years and 215 days old.

2021: Ranked Number 1

In 2021, Manny Pacquiao was ranked number 1 in DAZN's list of the top 10 boxers of the last 30 years.

2022: Ranked Ninth in The Ring's List

As of 2022, Manny Pacquiao was ranked ninth in The Ring's list of the top 100 boxers of all time.

August 2024: Verdict Overturned in Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

In August 2024, the verdict in favor of Paradigm Sports Management against Manny Pacquiao was overturned. The court found evidence that Audie Attar did not hold a required management license when signing the contract to represent Pacquiao.

2024: Greatest Asian Athlete

In 2024, ESPN ranked Manny Pacquiao as the greatest Asian athlete of the 21st century.

2025: Fighter of the Century and Ranking

In 2025, Manny Pacquiao was awarded the Fighter of the Century honor by the World Boxing Council, joined Sugar Ray Robinson as the only boxer to have won the "triple crown" of legacy awards, and ranked second behind his fierce rival Floyd Mayweather in The Ring's list of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of the 21st century.

2025: Hall of Fame Induction

In 2025, Manny Pacquiao was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and The Ring ranked Pacquiao second among the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of the 21st century.