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 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.

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, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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.

2005: Most Consecutive Boxing World Title Fight Victories

From 2005, Manny Pacquiao had the most consecutive boxing world title fight victories at different weights.

2005: Swimmer Miguel Molina

In 2005, Swimmer Miguel Molina was Southeast Asian Games' Best Male Athlete

2006: Ring Magazine, ESPN, and BWAA's Fighter of the Year

In 2006, Manny Pacquiao was awarded Ring magazine, ESPN and BWAA's Fighter of the Year, acknowledging his outstanding performance in boxing.

November 2008: Feature in Reader's Digest Asia

In November 2008, Manny Pacquiao was featured on the cover of Reader's Digest Asia, with a seven-page story about his life and career, released before his fight against De La Hoya.

2008: Philippine Delegation's Flag Bearer

At the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Manny Pacquiao participated in the parade of nations as the Philippine delegation's flag bearer, the first-ever non-participant to hold this role.

2008: World's Sixth Highest Paid Athlete

In 2008, Forbes listed Manny Pacquiao as the world's equal sixth highest paid athlete, earning a total of $40 million.

2008: Ring Magazine, ESPN, and BWAA's Fighter of the Year

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao was awarded Ring magazine, ESPN and BWAA's Fighter of the Year for a second time, recognizing his continued success in the sport.

November 16, 2009: Time Magazine Asia Cover

On November 16, 2009, Manny Pacquiao appeared on the cover of Time magazine Asia. The feature story highlighted his charisma, intelligence, and influence in rescuing boxing. Global brands like Nike sought him for endorsements, recognizing his heroic origin story and global appeal.

2009: Highest Paid Athlete

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

2009: Awards Won in 2009

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

2009: Recognition as one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao was recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential people for his boxing achievements and influence in the Philippines. He was also included in Forbes' Celebrity 100 list in 2009, joining figures like Angelina Jolie, Tiger Woods, and Kobe Bryant.

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.

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: Top Earning Athlete

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

2011: Best Fighter ESPY Award

In 2011, Manny Pacquiao won the Best Fighter ESPY Award for the second time, acknowledging his impact and excellence in boxing.

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: Ranked Second Highest Paid Athlete

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

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.

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.

2015: Second Highest Paid Athlete

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

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.

2016: Ranked No. 2 on ESPN's list

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao ranked No. 2 on ESPN's list of top pound for pound boxers of the past 25 years, further solidifying his legacy as one of the best.

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.

2021: Ranked #1 Boxer by DAZN

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

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, marking his presence among boxing legends.

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.

2024: Greatest Asian Athlete of the 21st Century

In 2024, ESPN ranked Manny Pacquiao as the greatest Asian athlete of the 21st century, solidifying his legacy as a dominant figure in sports.

2025: Fighter of the Century and Hall of Fame Induction

In 2025, Manny Pacquiao was awarded the Fighter of the Century honor by the World Boxing Council. Also in 2025, Pacquiao 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: Ranked Second Greatest Pound-for-Pound Fighter

In 2025, The Ring ranked Manny Pacquiao second among the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of the 21st century, further cementing his status as one of boxing's all-time greats. Also in 2025, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.