Who is the Best Filipino Boxer of All Time in History

The country of the Philippines has been blessed with some of the greatest names in the boxing sport. Boxing has garnered massive respect and popularity in the country over the years and this is due to the legendary athletes that have represented the country.

This blog will discuss who is the best Filipino boxer of all time, and other top boxers from the Philippines who took boxing to higher ranks in the country.

Manny Pacquaio - Who is the Best Filipino Boxer

When it comes to the question that who is the best Filipino boxer of all time, the only name that pops up in mind is; Manny Pacquaio. The Pacman rose to boxing fame when he managed to win championships in three different weight divisions. People in the Philippines took an interest in boxing due to Manny Pacquaio who gave top-notch performances throughout his career.

It would not be wrong to say that Manny Pacquaio revived the dying legacy of boxing in the Philippines. Besides this, boxing online betting became quite popular as the Pacman used to rule the odds during his prime.

Manny Pacquaio is the only boxer in the world who has won Boxing championships in 8 eight different weight divisions and has been a part of the best boxing bouts of the century.

IOC Rejected Pacquiao’s request to compete in Paris Olmypics 2024

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently denied Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s dream of participating in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Pacquiao had expressed his desire to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to pursue his dream of winning a gold medal at the world’s biggest sporting event. The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) had officially petitioned the IOC to include Pacquiao in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as an amateur.

However, the former eight-division world champion needed an exemption from the IOC to participate in the Summer Games due to the age limit for boxers, which is set for 40. Despite efforts by the POC to secure Pacquiao’s inclusion through the Universality rule, this avenue was also denied by the boxing authorities.

What’s Next for Manny Pacquaio?

Pacquiao has been in the news regarding potential fights with Conor Benn and Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, Mayweather does not seem to giving him any chance to fight with him again. Therefore, Manny’s focus is to fight with Conner Ben.

Both, Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn are in advanced talks to fight each other next at 147 pounds, sources tell ESPN. The all-time great Pacquiao and Benn traveled to Riyadh to meet each other and see if they could finalize the fight with Saudi Arabian officials.

If it happens so, boxing online betting markets will be cheering up to this, as Manny is considered a clear favorite to win the fight between the two. The only reason is that Manny is still training and was competing for championships 3 years ago.

Some other Notable Boxers from the Philippines

Now, let me introduce you to some of the other legendary boxers that have born and raised in the Philippines and made their country proud through their exceptional skills and achievements in the Boxing World.

Ceferino Garcia: The "Bolo Punch" Master

Veteran Boxing lovers would definitely say the name “Ceferino Garcia” if you ask them who is the best Filipino boxer to ever grace this sport. Such was the aura and legacy of Ceferino Garcia. He wrote his name in boxing history as the first Filipino to win a world title in the middleweight division. He was recognized for his signature "bolo punch," a devastating hook delivered with a wide swing.

Garcia won the world middleweight title in 1939. He proved his mettle against legendary opponents such as Tony Zale and Al "Bummy" Davis who were the biggest names in boxing at that time.

Pancho Villa: Little Brown Boy

Next, we have another big name in Philippine boxing history, Born as Francisco Guilledo in 1901, Pancho Villa rose from poverty to become the first Filipino world champion.

Nicknamed the "Filipino Whirlwind" Villa won the world flyweight title in 1923 when he defeated Jimmy Wilde who was a great British boxer. Villa created his long-living legacy through his agility, lightning-fast footwork, and powerful punches that are exemplary for the future generation of Filipino boxing.

Flash Elorde: The Fighting Pride of the Philippines

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, who hailed from Bogo City, Cebu, dominated the boxing world in the 1960s. Elorde won the world junior lightweight title in 1960 and successfully defended it ten times, which put him in the ranks of the longest-reigning champions in that division's history. Elorde was known for his lethal left hook, technique, and extraordinary defensive skills.

Luisito Espinosa:

Luisito Espinosa is a Filipino boxing legend who held titles in two different weight classes and competed for an impressive 21 years. Throughout his career, he fought against the best fighters out there and won the WBA bantamweight title in 1989.

In 1995, he won the WBC featherweight title and successfully defended it seven times before losing it. Unfortunately, four of his losses occurred during his later years when he should not have been fighting.

Nonito Donaire: The Filipino Flash

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire is a living legend of Filipino boxing. His name definitely pops up when discussed about who is the best Filipino Boxer. Nonito was born in Talibon, Bohol, and won multiple world titles in different weight divisions.

Donaire has secured remarkable victories over deadly opponents like Vic Darchinyan and Fernando Montiel when boxing online betting odds were against him. This made him a great boxer that was ever produced by the Philippines.