Pacquiao recognized as sporting icon in Dubai summit

January 11 ------ Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was recognized for his outstanding career in sport during the World Sports Summit in Dubai in late 2025.

Pacquiao was conferred the Global Outstanding Sporting Career Award last December 29 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and President of the Gulf Youth Games and Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation.

The awarding ceremony was witnessed by the Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai. "This award is not just for me; it is for every dreamer who was told their goals were too big. In boxing, we fight with our fists, but in life, we must fight with our hearts to unite people. I am honored to stand here in Dubai, a city that proves that with vision, anything is possible," said Pacquiao.

The summit, with the theme "Uniting the World Through Sport," served as Dubai's first-ever global gathering of elite athletic talent and industry leadership. Pacquiao was recognized along with other sporting icons such as Novak Djokovic, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ronaldo Nazário and Tony Parker.

The Global Outstanding Sporting Career Award was given in honor not just of Pacquiao's boxing career that saw him win world titles in an unprecedented eight divisions, but also his impact as a humanitarian. "Dubai believes in the positive role of sport in shaping a better future for societies," said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed during the opening address. "Honoring stars like Manny Pacquiao is a testament to how one individual's discipline and heart can inspire an entire generation across borders."

The "Pacman" also participated in a panel along with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, where he discussed his meteoric rise from a life of poverty in childhood in the Philippines to becoming a global icon. The award comes weeks after the World Boxing Council officially named Pacquiao its "Fighter of the Century."

Source: news.abs-cbn.com