Ring Magazine’s Jake Donovan seemingly caused a fluster when he shared a list through his Twitter handle. In neat two rows, it featured names, 21 on either side. Those were the names of boxing legends from whom the ‘Class of 2025’ inductees were to be selected.

Understandably, each row consists of some well-known names, many not-so-well-known, and a few never heard of. The post might have received just a trickle of responses with users sharing their viewpoints. However, the topic could ignite spirited debates in the days to come. Among the most prominent names that stood out was Manny Pacquiao. Surprisingly, for all his accomplishments and greatness, boxing’s only eight-division champion stands outside the class.

“Finally received my Hall of Fame ballot,” said Jake Donovan. However, he didn’t hold back from teasing a close review of Pacquiao’s record. ‘PacMan’s candidacy appears to have become a key talking point in various reports. Beginning with former two-division champion Arthur Abraham, the list ends up with Shinsuke Yamanaka. The former bantamweight champion from Japan defended his title a record twelve times.

So members of the voting panel have to pick from the list of modern boxers. Their last recorded bout should not have occurred before 1989. The conditions denote: “You may vote for up to 5 boxers. You are not required to vote for 5, but you may not vote for more than 5.” Only 3 will be elected to the 2025 Hall of Fame. The voters have time till October 31 to submit their recommendations.

Each of the 42 names belongs to an accomplished fighter. They left a commendable mark on the sport. But none perhaps catches the eyes more than Manny Pacquiao. Nestled between the German former super middleweight champion Sven Ottke and former two-division champion and International Sports Hall of Fame inductee Vinny Paz, the ‘PacMan’s name catches the attention instantly.

A point for some

Interestingly, the Boxing Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2024’ inducted the victim of one of Manny Pacquiao’s most famous conquests, Ricky Hatton, this year. With his rags-to-riches story, coupled with an electrifying boxing career that saw him fight some of the biggest names of the era in epic rematches and trilogies, many feel that it’s high time Pacquiao deserved the honor.

But the former Philippine senator faces formidable competition. Though he retired from the sport in 2021, Shawn ‘Showtime’ Porter still remains connected with the sport as one of the leading commentators and analysts. Then who can forget ‘The Magic Man’? From the Atlanta Olympics bronze medal to the duels with great Roy Jones Jr., Antonio Tarver‘s exploits remain a topic of discussion even today.

Then, upholding the proud boxing traditions of Philadelphia, Olympic gold medalist Meldrick Taylor also makes a strong case for consideration. But how can one ignore the claims from the other side of the pond? Their sons are making waves in the current boxing scene. But the world and British boxing never grew tired of talking about the fights between Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.

In New York’s Canastota and Turning Stone Resort and Casino, individuals selected for the ‘Class of 2025’ will be recognized for their contributions during a June 2025 week. Here’s hoping for the best outcome.

Who would you include in your list?