Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, widely known as Manny Pacquiao, is a Filipino professional boxer and retired politician who has etched his name in history as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Born on December 17, 1978, in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines, he is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the sport, including being the only eight-division world champion in boxing history. Nicknamed "PacMan," he has earned twelve major world titles and has made significant contributions both in the ring and beyond.

Pacquiao's journey began in humble circumstances. He faced considerable challenges in his early life, often struggling with poverty. However, he found his passion in boxing at a young age, turning professional at just 16. His rise through the ranks was meteoric, and he quickly gained attention for his speed, power, and unyielding determination. Over the years, he captured titles in numerous weight classes, including flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. His victory against Keith Thurman in July 2019 made him the oldest welterweight world champion in history at the age of 40, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the sport.

Outside of boxing, Pacquiao ventured into politics, being elected as the representative of Sarangani in 2010. He served in this capacity for six years before ascending to the Senate in 2016. As a senator, he took on various roles, including that of the leader of the PDP–Laban party. In 2021, he declared his candidacy for the presidency in the 2022 Philippine elections, although he ultimately lost to Bongbong Marcos. Following an unsuccessful bid for re-election to the Senate in 2025, Pacquiao announced his retirement from politics and made a return to boxing.

In addition to his athletic and political endeavors, Pacquiao has dabbled in various forms of entertainment. He has appeared in films and television shows, showcasing his versatility beyond the boxing ring. His work in music has also garnered attention, with several albums achieving PARI-certified platinum status. Notably, his cover of "Sometimes When We Touch" reached number 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart after a memorable performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Throughout his career, Pacquiao has amassed considerable wealth and fame, with Forbes ranking him among the highest-paid athletes in the world multiple times. His fights have generated over $1.2 billion in pay-per-view revenue, reflecting his immense popularity. In 2024, ESPN recognized him as the greatest Asian athlete of the 21st century, while The Ring ranked him as the second greatest pound-for-pound fighter of the same era. His legacy was further solidified with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025.

Pacquiao remains a prominent figure in the Philippines, both for his sporting achievements and philanthropic efforts. He is an Evangelical Christian preacher and has been involved in various charitable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his fellow Filipinos. With a career that transcends sports and politics, Manny Pacquiao continues to inspire many, demonstrating resilience and dedication in all his pursuits.