Nickname: “Pac-Man”
Birthplace: Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Weight Class: Flyweight → Super-Welterweight (8 divisions)
Stance: Southpaw
Professional Record: 62 – 8 – 2 (39 KOs) Reuters+1
Years Active: 1995 – 2021
Biography
Manny Pacquiao is one of boxing’s most versatile and celebrated fighters — the only athlete in history to win world championships in eight weight divisions, from flyweight to super-welterweight. Reuters
Rising from humble beginnings in the Philippines, Pacquiao turned professional as a teenager and steadily rose through the ranks with speed, power, and charisma. His legendary rivalry with “Money” Mayweather and other top fighters like Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Márquez, Erik Morales, and Timothy Bradley brought global attention not only to his ring skills but to his impact as a cultural icon and a symbol of national pride.
Manny Pacquiao in the Hobby
Pacquiao’s card-collecting appeal is strong because his career spanned both the classic and modern eras, and his rookie/early issues are highly sought by collectors. According to collecting guides, his cards are considered key modern boxing pieces. The Cardboard Connection+1
Rookie & Early Issues
- 1999 World Boxing Magazine Manny Pacquiao #143: One of the earliest known appearances. Heritage Auctions
- 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Manny Pacquiao #262: A popular early mainstream card. SportsCardsPro
- Manny Pacquiao “Seidman’s Boxing Program” Card: A niche early card in the hobby-circle of Pacquiao rookies.
Registry Metadata
- Earliest Issue: 1999 World Boxing Magazine #143 Heritage Auctions
- Rookie Year: 1999
- First Mainstream U.S. Card: 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter #262
- Key Sets: 1999 World Boxing Magazine; 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter; other Panini and international releases.
- Known Variants: International print runs; different parallel/insert versions in Topps/Allen & Ginter series.
- Grading Rarity: Early issues graded high are relatively scarce due to condition and print-run size; for example, a hand-cut 1999 World Boxing issue sold for ~$1,586. Heritage Auctions
Legacy
Manny Pacquiao isn’t just a great boxer — he’s a global phenomenon who bridged cultures and eras. His record across eight divisions, his willingness to fight elite opponents repeatedly, and his crossover appeal as a politician and entertainer amplify his importance.
For collectors, Pacquiao’s rookie/early cards represent the modern era of boxing — where international releases, global stars, and modern card manufacturing converge. Owning one is owning a piece of 21st-century boxing history.
