As Manny Pacquiao prepares for his boxing comeback, Pacman remains the sport’s only eight-division world champion—a historic feat dominating from flyweight to super welterweight.
From a scrawny teenager fighting in small venues to a boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao carved his name in boxing and sports history by capturing world titles in eight different weight divisions—a record no one else has achieved.
As he readies for an in-ring comeback against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, Pacman is out to show the world why he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
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But first, here’s a breakdown of how the Filipino legend did it, weight class by weight class:
1. Flyweight (112 lbs) – WBC World Champion
Pacquiao’s first world title came on December 4, 1998, when he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Thailand’s Chatchai Sasakul in the eighth round in Thailand.
At just 19 years old and relatively unknown, Pacquiao captured the WBC flyweight title, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
2. Super Bantamweight (122 lbs) – IBF World Champion
On June 23, 2001, in his US debut, Pacquiao stepped in as a late replacement and dominated Lehlohonolo Ledwaba with a sixth-round TKO to claim the IBF super bantamweight belt.
3. Featherweight (126 lbs) – Lineal World Champion
Pacquiao moved up again and delivered a career-defining performance against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera on November 15, 2003.
Scoring multiple knockdowns and forcing an eleventh-round stoppage, Pacman became the lineal featherweight champion, cementing his status among the sport’s elites.
4. Super Featherweight (130 lbs) – WBC World Champion
In a much-anticipated rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15, 2008, Pacquiao got the edge-a split decision victory to win the WBC super featherweight title.
This was his fourth weight division title and a continuation of one of boxing’s greatest rivalries.
5. Lightweight (135 lbs) – WBC World Champion
On June 28, 2008, Pacquiao made his debut at lightweight by facing David Diaz.
Pacman dominated the bout from start to finish, ultimately scoring a ninth-round TKO to win the WBC lightweight title.
6. Light Welterweight (140 lbs) – Lineal World Champion
Just months later, Pacquiao moved up again to face British star Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009.
In one of his most iconic knockouts, Pacquiao floored Hatton in the second round with a devastating left hand, earning the lineal junior welterweight title.
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7. Welterweight (147 lbs) – WBO World Champion
Pacquiao then challenged Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight title on November 14, 2009.
Despite giving up size, Pacquiao overwhelmed Cotto with speed and combinations, winning via twelfth-round TKO and capturing his seventh world title.
8. Super Welterweight (154 lbs) – WBC World Champion
On November 13, 2010, Pacquiao made history by defeating the much bigger Antonio Margarito to win the WBC super welterweight title.
Although he came in well below the weight limit, Pacquiao used his speed and precision to dominate the fight and become boxing’s first and only eight-division world champion.