Manny Pacquiao’s $575-million career: From street kid to global boxing icon

Manila: Boxing champ Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, 30, called his opponent, Manny Pacquiao, with a rather affectionate title: "that old man".

Their recent Las Vegas fight, however, showed Pacman continues to defy age, expectation, and gravity.

The battle ended in a draw.

At 46, the Filipino icon stepped back into the ring on July 19, 2025, facing the American contender for the WBC welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 

After a fierce 12-round battle, the judges declared it a majority draw — leaving fans split over whether the southpaw still has championship fire or is long past his prime.

In boxing terms, Paquiao (full name: Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao) may be deemed old.

Born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, and raised in General Santos City (southern Philippines), Manny’s early life was rooted in hardship.

The son of a single mother, he dropped out of school at 14 to help support his family by selling bread and water on the streets. 

Inspired by martial arts legend Bruce Lee and Filipino boxing hero Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, he laced up gloves at 12 and never looked back.

Pacquiao turned pro at just 16 in 1995. 

What followed was a meteoric rise: his speed, power, and aggression turned him into a global sensation. 

His epic rivalries with the trilogy of Mexican legends – Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez – are now etched in boxing history. 

And though he lost the 2015 “Fight of the Century” to Floyd Mayweather Jr., the bout shattered pay-per-view records and brought Pacquiao an estimated $130 million.

Over his 30-year career, Pacquiao has earned a jaw-dropping $575 million, according to Sportskeeda. 

These earnings reflect his purses for dozens of marquee fights — including the fight against Mayweather — as well as his shares of pay-per-view revenues and event bonuses, according to Sportskeeda (some sources adjust this figure to about $750–$775 million, factoring in his career from 1995 to his latest fight in 2025).

Beyond the ring, Pacquiao has cashed in through endorsements, acting, and business ventures. 

His lifestyle, heavy philanthropic efforts, and political campaigns — including stints as Congressman and Senator—his current net worth is estimated at $220 million.

For his recent fight, Pacquiao was guaranteed about $12 million – with much more from pay-per-view shares, pushing his total earnings for the fight to an estimated $17–18 million, according to Marca.

In contrast, defending champion Mario Barrios’s  total take-home payout of under $2.5 million, though it was still the biggest purse of his career so far.

Paquiao is not the oldest boxer in the ring. 

The oldest active pro boxer is Oliver "The Atomic Bull" McCall, known his resilience and longevity in the sport.

McCall fought at the age of 60, a remarkable comeback and remains undefeated in three fights since 2024.

Another notably old boxer was Steve Ward, recognised by Guinness as the oldest professional boxer ever, having fought until about age 61 before retiring in 2017.

Outside the ring, Manny Pacquiao is known for his strong Christian faith, charitable work, and political aspirations.

Despite not finishing high school in his youth, he earned a high school diploma through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) and later obtained a degree in political science and governance.

Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in 2010, representing Sarangani province. His humble background and passion for helping the poor resonated with many.

In 2016, he was elected as a Senator of the Philippines, serving until 2022. During his term, he advocated for anti-corruption reforms, sports development, housing, and increased wages for government workers. Pacquiao also ran for president, but lost to the Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the incumbent, in a 10-way race.

Both Pacquiao and Barrios stated after the fight that they are open to a “rematch”.

"I can still do it," Pacquiao told ESPN. But he admits the need to improve his stamina and footwork.

Asked about Pacquiao's age and performance, Barrios told the channel a post-flight interview: "That old man, he's still got a lot in him....He's hard to find, he's got a lot of crack in his punches."

Given the close and entertaining nature of the first bout, a rematch may very well happen, as per CBS Sports. 

Pacquiao has said that with proper preparation, he could fight again.

This fuels speculation of at least one more ring return. 

No official announcement has been made yet, but the Filipino fights is reportedly back again in the gym.

Manny Pacquiao's influence goes beyond sports: he is a symbol of hope for millions of Filipinos who see in him the possibility of rising above poverty through determination and faith.

He has built hospitals, donated millions to calamity victims, and continues to sponsor scholarships and sports programs.

He is also a global figure — a Nike endorser, guest on American talk shows, and subject of international documentaries.

His legacy lives beyond the ring.

Whether or not he fights again, Pacquiao’s legacy is secure. He’s not just a boxing legend — he’s living proof that grit, talent, and belief can launch a kid from the streets of General Santos to the pinnacle of global sport.

Pacquiao, having just been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, looks unstoppable.

Stay tuned for when Pacquiao is set to pack a punch next. 

1978 – Born in Bukidnon, raised in General Santos City

1995 – Turns professional in boxing at age 16

1998 – Wins WBC Flyweight title

2001 – Breaks into U.S. boxing scene; wins Super Bantamweight title

2008 – Becomes Lightweight Champion, beats Oscar De La Hoya at welterweight

2009-2010 – Becomes seven- and then eight-division world champion

2010 – Elected Congressman of Sarangani

2015 – Fights Floyd Mayweather Jr.

2016 – Elected Senator of the Philippines

2021 – Officially retires from boxing; announces candidacy for President

2022 – Loses presidential bid, shifts focus to charity and religious work.