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Tag: Boxing

  • Filipino boxing star Nesthy Petecio eyeing elusive Asian Games medal

    Filipino boxing star Nesthy Petecio eyeing elusive Asian Games medal

    Nesthy Petecio is more than just a two-time Olympic medalist—she is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring Filipino fighting spirit. From her humble beginnings in Davao del Sur to standing on the world stage in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Paris 2024 Olympics, Petecio has carved out a legacy defined by grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in her dreams.

     

    Throughout her decorated career, the 33-year-old has consistently overcome adversity, turning setbacks into motivation and challenges into triumphs. Yet despite her accomplishments on the global stage, one prize continues to elude her—a medal in the Asian Games. It is a goal that remains firmly on her radar as she looks ahead to the next phase of her journey.

     

    “May hangganan, tumatanda din po tayo, pero pipilitin ko pa rin makapasok sa next Olympics. Gusto ko pa ring makalaro sa Asian Games talaga, kasi zero pa ako dito – wala pa akong medal. ‘Yan na lang listahan ko na wala pa akong medal,” Petecio said in a media interaction.

     

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    “Hindi ko pa rin masabi kung last Olympics na ba, or last Asian Games,” she added.

     

    Even as she navigates the later stages of her career, Petecio’s hunger for excellence remains as strong as ever. She has set her sights not only on securing that elusive Asian Games podium finish but also on earning a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a testament to her enduring drive and commitment to representing the Philippines on the biggest stage.

    Her preparation, however, has not been without challenges. Petecio recently underwent eye surgery shortly after capturing a bronze medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. The procedure temporarily sidelined her from training, but her recovery has been progressing well, offering optimism as she gears up for her return to competition.

     

    “My eye doctor already gave me the go-ahead to start training, but I still have a follow-up visit and need one more clearance. My recovery has been going well so far, and I hope it stays that way so everything goes smoothly and I can keep moving forward,” she shared.

     

    Despite the physical hurdles, Petecio’s dedication to her craft has never wavered. Known for her relentless work ethic and discipline, she is eager to regain peak form and continue competing at the highest level. Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring boxers but also to Filipinos who see in her story a reflection of perseverance and hope.

     

    Beyond the ring, Petecio’s contributions to Philippine sports have not gone unnoticed. She was recently honored with the Flame Award at the 2026 All-Women Sports Awards held at the Philippine International Convention Center, an event celebrating the achievements and impact of Filipino female athletes across various disciplines.

     

    “I feel so blessed with everything I am receiving. I am honored and blessed, and I am happy that all athletes are recognized and not just me, especially women. We are recognized for our hard work and sacrifices for our country,” Petecio concluded.

     

    As she continues her journey, Petecio remains focused on unfinished business. With her eyes set on new milestones and her spirit as unbreakable as ever, she stands ready to write the next chapter of an already remarkable career—one that could yet see her add another historic achievement to her name.

     

     

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  • “They will know the difference”: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao eager to forge his own legacy

    “They will know the difference”: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao eager to forge his own legacy

    At just 22 years old, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is rapidly emerging as one of the most intriguing young prospects in the world of boxing—carrying not only the famous Pacquiao name but also the promise of a truly distinct legacy. As the son of eight‑division world champion Manny Pacquiao, Eman could have easily remained in the shadow of his legendary father. Instead, he’s steadily worked to define his own identity both inside and outside the ring.

     

    Though born into a family already synonymous with pugilistic greatness, Eman’s journey has been far from conventional. A native of Tagum City, he moved to Japan at the age of 12 to pursue his education, a decision rooted in his mother Joanna Rose’s heritage—she is half‑Japanese. The five years Eman spent in Japan were formative, not just culturally and academically, but athletically. It was there, immersed in a disciplined environment, that he sharpened his work ethic and deepened his commitment to boxing—laying the foundation for the fighter he is today.

     

    Despite his early affinity for his mother’s surname, Eman ultimately made the conscious choice to adopt the Pacquiao name with his father’s full support—a strategic move aimed at advancing his professional boxing career while still honoring his own personal journey. “I initially wanted to carry my mother’s surname,” Eman shared in a recent interview. “But my father encouraged me to use Pacquiao because of what it represents in the sport. I’m proud of where I come from, but I also want to build something that stands on its own.”

     

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    That individuality is central to Eman’s approach. “They will know the difference,” he said during the press conference for his promotional partner, IAM Worldwide. “Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is Eman Bacosa Pacquiao.” The distinction isn’t just symbolic—it underlines a mindset focused on legacy over lineage.

     

    Since turning professional in July 2021, Eman has shown tangible progress. His debut bout, a fourth‑round stoppage loss to Japan’s Hiromi Tsutsui at Aioi Hall in Kariya, offered an early lesson in the unforgiving nature of professional boxing. But rather than deter him, that defeat became a catalyst. Eman has since compiled an 8‑0‑1 record, demonstrating notable improvements in power, technique, and ring intelligence with each outing.

    “Every fight teaches me something,” he reflected. “If I have a fight coming up, my focus narrows—everything else fades away. When there’s no bout scheduled, I lean into show business, which is my second craft. But boxing—that’s my heart. That’s where I want to see just how far I can go.”

     

    His new contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center marks an exciting expansion of his public persona. Eman is embracing opportunities in entertainment, but he remains clear‑eyed about priorities. “My main work is boxing. That’s my passion,” he said. “Everything else is secondary, but I’m grateful for every chance to grow as an individual and a performer.”

     

    Eman’s time in Japan, where he not only trained but also learned the language and absorbed a culture of discipline, continues to inform his approach. “Japan taught me structure, respect, endurance,” he noted. “Those lessons are in every punch I throw and every hour I spend in the gym.”

     

    Asked about his ultimate goals, Eman didn’t mince words. “I want to be a world champion,” he declared, a dream that resonates deeply but is pursued with humility and gratitude. “I understand what it means to have nothing. I know the value of hard work and perseverance. There are so many who dream of becoming world champions, of making a name for themselves and providing for their families—only a few ever get there. I want to be among those few.”

     

    Yet even as he edges closer to boxing’s higher echelons, Eman insists on appreciating every step of the journey. “It’s close,” he said with a calm confidence. “I can already feel it. But I want to enjoy the moment now—before I’m a champion—because that in itself would be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I want to enjoy the blessings God has given me, every step of the way.”

     

    With a growing fan base, a promising record, and a clear vision for his future, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is no longer just “Manny Pacquiao’s son.” He’s a young athlete forging his own path—driven by passion, grounded in humility, and determined to leave a mark that stands proudly beside, yet distinct from, the legacy that precedes him.

     

     

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  • Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez signs with Sampson Boxing in quest for world championship

    Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez signs with Sampson Boxing in quest for world championship

    Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez has firmly established himself as one of the Philippines’ top professional fighters, currently holding both the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental Super Featherweight titles. Known for his technical skill and relentless work ethic, Suarez continues to make waves on the international stage.

     

    Suarez was recently at the center of a major controversy following his bout with World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico on Saturday, May 10, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Navarrete initially retained his title via a unanimous technical decision, but questions arose over the cause of a cut—whether it was the result of a punch or an accidental headbutt. Had the cut been ruled as caused by a punch from Suarez, the Filipino contender would have claimed victory by TKO.

     

    In a major victory for Suarez’s camp, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) overturned Navarrete’s win on Tuesday, June 3, ruling it a “no contest,” with the WBO immediately ordering a rematch. The decision restored Suarez’s professional record to 18-0 with 10 knockouts, while Navarrete remains at 39-2-1 with 32 knockouts. More importantly, Suarez now has a chance to challenge Navarrete again for the WBO super featherweight crown.

     

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    Currently ranked as the No. 1 WBO contender at 130 pounds, Suarez has signed a promotional deal with Sampson Boxing, setting his sights firmly on a world title.

    “I am very happy to officially join Sampson Boxing and to work with Sampson Lewkowicz, who has guided many world champions in the sport. This is an important step in my career as I continue my pursuit of a world title. I have worked my entire life for this moment, from representing the Philippines in the Olympics to competing on the world stage as a professional,” Suarez said in a statement.

     

    “With Sampson’s experience and commitment, I believe we have the right team to bring my career to the next level. My goal remains the same—to bring pride to the Philippines as a soldier and a world champion boxer,” he added.

     

    Veteran promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, who now manages Suarez’s career, is confident that the Filipino pugilist is on the brink of achieving his lifelong dream.

     

    “I am happy to be joining the team of proud Filipino warrior Charly Suarez. I will help guide him to the world championship victory he deserves and then to the most rewarding fights available when he is champion,” Lewkowicz said.

     

    With a rematch against Navarrete on the horizon and a new promotional team behind him, Suarez is now perfectly positioned to take the next step in his career. For Filipino boxing fans, the message is clear: Charly Suarez is not just a contender—he is a future world champion whose journey continues to inspire and elevate Philippine boxing on the global stage.

     

     

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  • “Battle of the Century” returns: Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set for historic rematch in Las Vegas

    “Battle of the Century” returns: Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set for historic rematch in Las Vegas

    Boxing fans have a date to mark on their calendars. Legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to face off in a rematch of the iconic “Battle of the Century,” nearly a decade after their first historic encounter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in 2015.

     

    The welterweight showdown will take place on September 19 (September 20 in the Philippines) at the Sphere in Las Vegas and will be streamed exclusively by Netflix, the streaming giant announced.

     

    “Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas. Saturday, September 19. LIVE globally only on Netflix,” Netflix wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), building excitement among fans worldwide.

     

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    Pacquiao, who returned to professional boxing last year, confirmed the news during a media interaction, emphasizing that this will be a real fight, not an exhibition, and describing the rematch as an opportunity for “redemption.”

     

    “Excited that, may chance tayo to redeem yung pangalan natin, makabawi tayo. We have enough time to prepare, to work hard. Minimum of three and a half months makapag-prepare tayo. I’m so excited to work hard, to train hard. Back to work,” Pacquiao said.

    The 47-year-old Filipino boxing icon also questioned Mayweather’s claim of being the “greatest of all time,” pointing to his own historic achievements as a fighter.

     

    “Ang tanong ko is which part can he claim that he is the greatest? To be the greatest is not based on being defeated and undefeated. At least ako I can claim being an eight-division champion, the hardest accomplishment in boxing, and the only one to win championships in four different decades, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020.

     

    “This is a real fight. Kasama ito sa magiging record namin. Kung panalo ka, panalo ka. Kung talo ka, talo ka. May chance pa tayo ipakita ‘yung kaya natin,” he added.

     

    Beyond personal glory, Pacquiao emphasized the rematch’s broader significance. He hopes the fight will serve as inspiration for young athletes, while also promoting unity and discipline in society.

     

    “Disiplina lang. Importante yan. Magandang inspirasyon na maibigay natin para sa mga young athletes. Pagdating sa bansa natin, magkaisa tayo. Hindi dapat tayo magkahiwalay. Para ito sa ating lahat, kapayapaan, katahimikan. Ilan libong buhay binigay ng ating mga ninuno para magkaroon tayo ng democracy at kapayapaan. Hindi naman tayo naghahanap ng away. We want peace, we want friends,” Pacquiao concluded.

     

    The stakes are high, and history will be in the making. The original “Battle of the Century” in 2015 shattered records, generating $410 million in the U.S. alone and becoming the highest-grossing pay-per-view (PPV) event in boxing history. Mayweather won by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 118-110), cementing his legacy among boxing’s elite.

     

    With nearly a decade between their first bout, fans can expect a thrilling showdown, combining skill, strategy, and the enduring rivalry that has captivated boxing audiences worldwide.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao honored as ‘Champion of Humanity’ by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    Manny Pacquiao honored as ‘Champion of Humanity’ by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as the greatest sportsperson to emerge from the Philippines and one of the finest boxers in the history of the sport. His legendary status is defined by a remarkable list of accomplishments, highlighted most notably by his unmatched feat as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history—a milestone that continues to set him apart in an era of all-time greats. Across more than two decades in the ring, Pacquiao not only captured world titles but also earned the respect of fans and fellow athletes around the globe, cementing a legacy that transcends the sport itself.

     

    Pacquiao has received countless plaudits and honors throughout his illustrious career, and on Tuesday, February 24, he was bestowed yet another prestigious recognition — this time by Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

     

    A special handover ceremony at the National Sports Museum organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, saw Pacquiao personally present Marcos with a selection of his most iconic artifacts from his storied career. These included two pairs of competition shorts, a world championship belt, and other memorabilia that symbolize the milestones and battles of a career that has inspired millions both in the Philippines and across the globe.

     

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    “What can I say about Manny Pacquiao and his boxing career that hasn’t been said before? Because lahat – all the superlatives that can possibly be used, use the praise that can possibly be had by an athlete have already been heaped upon him and well deserved,” Marcos said.

    “And today, we are given the opportunity to be in his reflected glory. Dahil alam naman natin that – there is no other boxer – nalampasan mo pa pati si Muhammad Ali eh – there is no other boxer, there is no other athlete, for that matter, who gained the plaudits all around the world and of course in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    Marcos further revealed that Pacquiao has helped numerous boxers who are no longer fighting and don’t have jobs and that this is a side of the icon that not a lot of people know about.

     

    “Lahat ‘yun tinulungan ni Manny. Hindi niya sinasabi kahit na kanino. Kung hindi nila in-announce doon sa programa na ‘yun, nobody would know about it. Ganyan ang ugali, ganyan ang pagkatao ng ating Manny Pacquiao.

     

    “So, hindi lang siya champion sa boxing. He is a champion of humanity. He is a champion as a Filipino. He is a champion as a man. And he is a champion in all our hearts and he will always be our champion. He will always be our Filipino champion,” Marcos concluded.

     

    The artifacts will be preserved in the newly established National Sports Museum, which recently underwent a major modernization and refurbishment. With Pacquiao’s items now enshrined, the museum not only safeguards the tangible history of one of the world’s greatest athletes but also allows fans, students, and aspiring boxers to connect with the story of a man whose influence extends far beyond the ring.

     

    From his meteoric rise in boxing to his charitable works and his role as a symbol of Filipino pride, Pacquiao’s legacy continues to grow. The recognition as “Champion of Humanity” underscores the full breadth of his impact — a reminder that while championships and belts define the career of a sportsman, it is the character and heart behind the athlete that truly leaves a mark for generations to come.

     

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  • Melvin Jerusalem’s strawweight unification bout with Oscar Collazo has been postponed to June or July

    Melvin Jerusalem’s strawweight unification bout with Oscar Collazo has been postponed to June or July

    Melvin Jerusalem has solidified his place among the Philippines’ boxing elite, combining technical skill, strategic precision, and relentless determination inside the ring. At 31 years old, the southpaw has earned widespread acclaim as the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion, adding to a growing legacy that has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport both locally and internationally.

     

    Jerusalem’s most recent triumph came on October 29, 2025, at the legendary Araneta Coliseum, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic Thrilla in Manila. Facing South African contender Siyakholwa Kuse, Jerusalem displayed a masterclass in ring control, employing his trademark counterpunching, superior footwork, and sharp tactical adjustments to dominate the bout from the opening bell. His commanding performance earned him a unanimous decision victory, marking another successful defense of his WBC minimumweight title in front of a raucous home crowd. Fans and boxing analysts alike lauded his poise, stamina, and ability to adapt mid-fight — hallmarks of a champion in peak form.

     

    The Filipino star was set to face World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico in one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the minimumweight division on March 14 in the Greater Los Angeles area. However, that 31-year-old confirmed in a post on social media that the bout has now been postponed and will in all probability take place either in June or July.

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    Jerusalem and his chief trainer Michael Domingo immediately adjusted plans, flying to the United States on Sunday, February 15, to acclimatize to local conditions and finalize their training base in Los Angeles. The location is strategically chosen for its proximity to the world-renowned Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, where legendary coach Freddie Roach has developed some of the sport’s most celebrated fighters. Training in this environment allows Jerusalem to refine his technique, enhance his conditioning, and simulate high-level competition ahead of the rescheduled bout.

     

    Jerusalem’s rise to prominence has not been overnight. From his early days in local circuits to becoming a world champion, he has consistently demonstrated discipline, mental toughness, and an ability to learn from every opponent. His journey reflects the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of boxing, earning him a loyal following and the respect of fellow fighters worldwide.

     

    Looking ahead, fans and pundits alike are eager to see Jerusalem face off against Collazo, a matchup that could unify belts and solidify his status as one of the best in the minimumweight division. With meticulous preparation, elite training, and a deep understanding of his craft, Melvin Jerusalem is poised to continue his ascent, proving that he is not only a national treasure but also a global force in professional boxing.

     

    The Filipino champion’s focus, resilience, and experience make him a formidable presence in the ring, and the upcoming months could very well define the next chapter of a career that has already left a lasting mark on the sport.

     

     

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  • WBC champion Melvin Jerusalem seeks redemption in high-stakes rematch against WBO champ Oscar Collazo

    WBC champion Melvin Jerusalem seeks redemption in high-stakes rematch against WBO champ Oscar Collazo

    Melvin Jerusalem has firmly cemented his place among the Philippines’ boxing elite, amassing multiple professional honors and currently holding the prestigious World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championship. The 31-year-old southpaw continues to captivate fans and boxing pundits alike with his combination of skill, discipline, and relentless determination inside the ring.

     

    Jerusalem’s most recent triumph came on October 29, 2025, at the iconic Araneta Coliseum, during the 50th anniversary celebration of the legendary Thrilla in Manila. Facing South African contender Siyakholwa Kuse, Jerusalem delivered a commanding performance in front of a roaring home crowd. Using his signature counterpunching and footwork, he dominated the bout from the opening bell, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory and successfully defending his WBC minimumweight title.

     

    The victory over Kuse capped off a remarkable 2025 for Jerusalem, who began the year by defeating Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka via unanimous decision in an earlier title defense. With back-to-back successful defenses, the Filipino southpaw has reinforced his reputation as one of the top fighters in the division and a true standard-bearer for Philippine boxing on the global stage.

     

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    With those victories behind him, Jerusalem now turns his focus to one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the minimumweight division: a rematch against World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico. This bout, which carries the promise of a unified title, is scheduled for March 14 in the Greater Los Angeles area, with the exact venue yet to be finalized. The rematch is generating significant buzz among boxing fans worldwide, particularly in the Philippines, where Jerusalem enjoys a passionate following.

     

    In preparation for the bout, Jerusalem and his chief trainer Michael Domingo will fly to the United States this Sunday, February 15, to acclimatize to local conditions. The team has secured a training base in Los Angeles, strategically located near the renowned Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, where legendary coach Freddie Roach has trained some of boxing’s biggest names.

    “No excuses. We will be training there at Wild Card, which is near the place we will be staying at,” Jerusalem said during a media interaction, signaling his focus and readiness to face Collazo.

     

    The upcoming rematch carries added weight, as their first meeting in May 2023 at Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California, saw Collazo emerge victorious via stoppage after six rounds to claim the WBO minimumweight title. That defeat still serves as motivation for Jerusalem, who has spent the past two years refining his technique, strategy, and conditioning with the goal of reversing the outcome.

     

    Collazo, meanwhile, is equally determined. Beyond defending his title, he aims to unify the division and demonstrate that fighters in the lighter weight classes can deliver high-level, entertaining boxing.

     

    “That’s the message I want to bring to the lower weight classes. I want people to watch me and know that as long as we keep succeeding, we can bring the big money to these weights. Also that whenever we fight, you are going to see a high level of boxing. That’s what I want, for the world to see what we got to offer,” Collazo said.

     

    For Jerusalem, the stakes are enormous. A win would not only avenge his previous loss but also make him a unified champion — a feat that would further cement his legacy among the Philippines’ boxing greats. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Jerusalem’s improved tactics, reinforced mental toughness, and championship experience will be enough to overcome Collazo’s proven skill and power.

     

    As the countdown to March 14 begins, both fighters are in the final stages of preparation, each aware that the bout could define their careers and set a new standard for the minimumweight division. With Jerusalem’s meticulous training regimen, homegrown determination, and the Philippine public firmly behind him, the rematch promises to be one of the most exciting and closely watched fights in recent boxing history.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao joins Team Boxing League as team captain, ambassador, and potential owner

    Manny Pacquiao joins Team Boxing League as team captain, ambassador, and potential owner

    Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as the greatest sportsperson to emerge from the Philippines and one of the finest boxers in the history of the sport. His legendary status is defined by an extraordinary list of accomplishments, highlighted most notably by his unmatched feat as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history—a milestone that continues to set him apart in an era of all-time greats.

     

    Even at 47 years old, Pacquiao has shown no signs of completely stepping away from the sport that made him a global icon. The Filipino legend returned to professional boxing last year at the age of 46, challenging World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a bout that captured international attention. The contest went the full 12 rounds and ended in a controversial majority draw, with two judges scoring the fight 114–114 and a third awarding a narrow 115–113 decision in favor of Barrios. Despite the outcome, Pacquiao’s performance reinforced his enduring competitiveness and remarkable longevity inside the ring.

     

    Pacquiao’s involvement in boxing is now set to enter a new chapter. On Wednesday, February 4, the Team Boxing League (TBL) officially announced that Pacquiao will join the organization as a team captain, league ambassador, and potential owner. He will serve as Team Captain and active fighter for the San Diego TJ’s, one of TBL’s expansion franchises, further cementing his hands-on role in the league’s growth.

     

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    Initially, Pacquiao’s participation will focus on serving as a League Ambassador in Season 4, after which he is expected to formally join the league’s ownership group in 2027. His multifaceted role underscores not only his commitment to staying connected to competition, but also his growing influence behind the scenes as a boxing executive and visionary.

     

    “I believe in the vision of TBL and what this league is building for the future of boxing,” Pacquiao said during the announcement. “Team boxing brings a new level of excitement, strategy, and opportunity for fighters and fans. I’m proud to be part of TBL and look forward to contributing both inside and outside the ring.”

    The Team Boxing League was first announced in 2022 and officially launched in 2023, introducing a team-based ownership and competition model designed to modernize professional boxing. The league currently features franchises such as LA Elite, NYC Attitude, and Philadelphia Smoke, with the addition of the San Diego TJ’s marking a significant step in its expansion.

     

    TBL executives were quick to emphasize the significance of Pacquiao’s arrival, calling it a transformative moment for the league.

     

    “Manny Pacquiao is one of the most respected champions in the history of boxing, and his decision to join TBL is a defining moment for our league,” said Kevin Cassidy, CEO of Team Boxing League. “From ambassador to owner to active competitor, Manny embodies everything TBL stands for—elite competition, innovation, and a team-first mindset. His involvement accelerates our mission to reshape the future of professional boxing.”

     

    Pacquiao’s business team echoed those sentiments, highlighting how closely the league aligns with his long-standing goals for the sport.

     

    “Manny’s involvement with TBL goes far beyond his initial ambassador role,” said Jas Mathur, CEO of Pacquiao Promotions. “This league aligns with Manny’s passion for innovation, competition, and elevating the sport of boxing. Joining TBL as an owner, team captain, and active fighter reflects his belief in the league’s model and its potential to change boxing.”

     

    While Pacquiao’s competitive debut for the San Diego TJ’s has yet to be scheduled, league officials confirmed that additional details are expected to be announced in the coming months. Whether inside the ring or in the boardroom, Pacquiao’s continued presence ensures that his impact on boxing—both in competition and in shaping its future—remains as powerful as ever.

     

    For fans and fighters alike, Pacquiao’s move to TBL represents more than another chapter in an already storied career. It is a statement that even after decades at the pinnacle of the sport, the Filipino icon remains driven to innovate, inspire, and push boxing forward on a global stage.

     

     

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  • Freddie Roach names the one fighter who could have defeated Manny Pacquiao in his prime

    Freddie Roach names the one fighter who could have defeated Manny Pacquiao in his prime

    Freddie Roach is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxing trainers in history. With a career that spans decades, Roach has trained over 40 world champions and is best known for his long-time partnership with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

     

    Roach began training Pacquiao in 2001, a collaboration that would turn the Filipino boxing icon into a global superstar. Under Roach’s guidance, Pacquiao defeated numerous world-class opponents, elevating his status to one of boxing’s all-time greats. Even after a brief hiatus, Pacquiao relied on Roach’s expertise upon his return to the ring last July, reaffirming the unmatched trust and understanding between fighter and trainer.

     

    In a recent interview with Boxing Social, Roach revealed which fighter he believes would have been the toughest challenge for Pacquiao in his prime — and it’s none other than Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez.

     

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    “I definitely know who I am going to pick in this fight, it’s not difficult because he was a much more complete, better fighter. This is one of the fighters that filled my heart. Some fighters were born to fight and some weren’t. There’s a couple that were just born to fight and Julio Cesar Chavez is one of them, I pick him all of the way, I do,” Roach said.

     

    He elaborated on why he believes Chavez would have had the edge over Pacquiao, despite the Filipino star’s legendary speed and explosiveness.

    “Pacquiao is explosive, very quick, but it’s too heavy of a competition for him in that one, I feel,” Roach added.

     

    Chavez’s legacy is nothing short of remarkable. The 63-year-old Mexican icon competed professionally from 1980 to 2005, earning recognition from The Ring magazine as the world’s best boxer from 1990 to 1993. He captured multiple world titles across three weight divisions, including the WBC super featherweight title (1984–1987), WBA and WBC lightweight titles (1987–1989), and the WBC light welterweight title (1990–1991). Additionally, he held the Ring magazine and lineal lightweight titles (1988–1989) and the lineal light welterweight title twice (1990–1996).

     

    Beyond the titles, Chavez set numerous boxing records that cement his status among the sport’s all-time greats. He shares the record for most successful defenses of world titles (27) with Omar Narvaez, holds the record for most title fight victories (31), and competed in the most title fights (37). Chavez also recorded the longest undefeated streak in boxing history — 13 years, 11 months, and 24 days — and remains the only fighter to hold the longest unbeaten streak in world title fights (27). Remarkably, he went 90 fights undefeated before suffering his first professional loss.

     

    For Roach, Chavez represents a “complete fighter,” someone whose combination of skill, power, and ring intelligence would have made him a nearly impossible opponent for even the fastest, most explosive fighters of his era. It’s a testament to Chavez’s enduring reputation that, decades after his prime, he is still regarded as a benchmark for greatness in the sport.

     

    Pacquiao himself has faced countless legends and young contenders, but Roach’s assessment highlights the delicate balance between speed, skill, and experience in boxing. While Pacquiao’s hand speed and agility made him a nightmare for his contemporaries, Roach believes Chavez’s discipline, power, and technical mastery would have been a uniquely difficult matchup.

     

    As boxing fans debate hypothetical matchups between eras, Roach’s insight provides a fascinating perspective on just how extraordinary both fighters were in their primes. Chavez’s legacy as one of the most decorated and dominant champions in history continues to inspire future generations, while Pacquiao’s accomplishments under Roach’s guidance remain a benchmark of modern boxing excellence.

     

     

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  • Pedro Taduran arrives in America for training amidst Oscar Collazo fight negotiations

    Pedro Taduran arrives in America for training amidst Oscar Collazo fight negotiations

    Pedro Taduran, one of only two reigning Filipino world boxing champions, has arrived in the United States to begin preparations for a potential unification fight in the minimumweight division.

     

    The International Boxing Federation (IBF) titleholder landed stateside this week as his camp moves forward with training plans despite ongoing negotiations for his next bout.

     

    Taduran is currently in discussions for a high-stakes unification showdown against Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion. 

     

    While the matchup has yet to be finalized, both camps continue talks as they work toward a deal that would put three major world titles on the line.

     

    The proposed bout is tentatively targeted for March, with plans pointing to Puerto Rico as the likely venue, giving Collazo home-ring advantage.

     

    Taduran, however, is wasting no time in getting ready, opting to begin his training camp early to ensure peak condition should the fight materialize.

     

    The Filipino champion will hold camp in Las Vegas, a strategic location that provides access to elite training facilities and high-level sparring. His American representative, Sean Gibbons, is based in the city and oversees a well-equipped gym that will serve as Taduran’s training base during the buildup.

     

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    Gibbons has been in active communication with Golden Boy Promotions, the Oscar De La Hoya-owned outfit that promotes Collazo, to finalize Taduran’s inclusion as the Puerto Rican champion’s next opponent. 

     

    Collazo, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters at the lower weights, is reportedly targeting a fight in the first quarter of the year. Even before the Christmas break, the southpaw had already resumed training, signaling his intent to remain active early in the 2026 boxing calendar.

     

    Like Taduran, Collazo fights out of a left-handed stance and has made it clear that his long-term goal is to unify all four major world titles at 105 pounds. The Puerto Rican champion has also expressed plans to move up in weight later in the year after completing his unification campaign.

     

    The minimumweight division also features another Filipino titleholder in Melvin Jerusalem, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) champion. Collazo previously defeated Jerusalem nearly two years ago, though Jerusalem has since rebounded with strong performances, adding further intrigue to the division’s title landscape.

     

    For Taduran, the move to the United States underscores his readiness to seize a defining opportunity in his career. 

     

    Should negotiations be completed, the March bout could mark one of the biggest unification fights in Philippine boxing in recent years, with Taduran aiming to cement his place among the sport’s elite.

     

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