Boxing's Heroes Honored At The 2025 Hall Of Fame
Boxing's Heroes Honored At The 2025 Hall Of Fame originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
By Faith Kigathi
The International Boxing Hall of Fame held its annual induction ceremony this past weekend, June 5-8, honoring the sport's most iconic figures with a grand celebration in Canastota, New York.
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Thousands of fans, media members, and boxing luminaries gathered at the Hall's historic grounds and the Turning Stone Resort Casino to welcome the Class of 2025; an emotional and star-studded tribute to the athletes and contributors who shaped boxing's legacy.
Among those celebrated were Manny Pacquiao, Vinny Paz, Michael Nunn, Mary Jo Sanders, Yessica Chavez, and Anne Sophie Mathis. Others inducted included Referees, Broadcasters, and Journalists, alongside trailblazers and pioneers who shaped the evolution of boxing. Those inducted were chosen by the membership of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.
Pacquiao was the headline name in the class of 2025 that was enshrined during the ceremony. His speech was nothing but humble and faith-filled. 'Thank you for the awards. I came from nothing, just a small boy; no shoes, no food, no chance, just a dream in my heart. I know pain, but I also know what God can do if you keep the Faith and never give up. Every fight, every victory, was a step further from poverty. It was not just for me but for my family, for the Filipino people," said Pacquiao on YouTube.
Vinny Paz, the three-division champion who overcame a broken neck sustained in a car crash to resume his career, and Michael Nunn, a champion at middleweight and super middleweight, were the other top men's fighters in the class. The women's modern category spotlighted Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, and Mary Jo Sanders, each a fearless world champion. Additionally, trailblazer Cathy Davis was honored for breaking barriers, most notably earning a pro boxing license in 1978 and championing gender equality.
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Non-participant inductees included iconic figures like referee Kenny Bayless and cut man Al Gavin, alongside broadcaster Randy Gordon and producer Ross Greenburg in the Observers category, recognizing their instrumental roles in boxing's integrity and storytelling. The Class of 2025 honors boxers whose careers blend athletic excellence with personal courage and global impact.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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