Historic Pacquiao memorabilia formally entrusted to Philippine sports

The Philippine Sports Commission hosted the ceremonial handover of select memorabilia from Philippine boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, marking a defining moment in the preservation of Philippine sporting heritage.

Pacquiao turned over the memorabilia to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a ceremony attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo.

"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, all the praises that can possibly be had by an athlete have already been heaped upon him and well deserved,’’ said President Marcos.

The ceremony, held on 24 February 2026 at the Philippine Sports Museum, Pasig City, formalized the inclusion of iconic artifacts from Pacquiao’s storied career into the Museum’s permanent collection.

"We commit Manny Pacquiao's legacy to national memory to inspire and ignite future champions. Your sweat, your tears, your blood, your life. We can never thank you enough,'' said Gregorio.

This milestone highlights the institution’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s athletic legacy and celebrating the achievements that shaped Philippine sports history.

Recognized globally as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao captured world titles across multiple weight classes, redefining the boundaries of the sport while elevating Philippine pride on the international stage.

Among the items formally entrusted to the Museum are:

• Representative Fight Trunk (Miguel Cotto Bout, 2009) — Symbolizing Pacquiao’s victory for the WBO Welterweight Championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, securing his seventh world title in his seventh different weight division.

• Representative Fight Trunk (Antonio Margarito Bout, 2010) — Commemorating Pacquiao’s historic triumph at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, where he became the first and only fighter to win world titles in eight separate weight categories.

• World Boxing Council (WBC) Championship Belt — A globally recognized emblem of excellence, representing not only victory but a legacy defined by resilience, courage, and reinvention.

These memorabilia represent more than milestones in a boxing career — they embody moments when Filipino determination, discipline, and excellence resonated across the world.

"The legend of Manny Pacquiao put the Philippines on the world map. He made the world look at us with awe and respect. This is our narrative as a nation: a story of grit, sacrifice and courage--violent but truthful and, in the end, triumphant,'' said Gregorio.

By safeguarding these pieces of history, the Philippine Sports Museum ensures that Pacquiao’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and citizens alike. (PSC-ICE)