Manny Pacquiao Becomes A ‘Vice President’ – Will It Backfire?

Manny Pacquiao has accepted the role of Vice President with the International Boxing Association (IBA), positioning him in a place to help steer the organization’s future, but is he taking on too much?

Pacquiao will be instrumental in guiding the IBA toward its goals, primarily by acting as a key advisor to both the President and the Board of Directors. He will provide his insight on matters that determine the direction of the sport, while also being a non-voting participant at board meetings. The news comes after Pacman also announced that his Manny Pacquiao Promotions will host its first US event on November 29, headlined by Elijah Pierce vs. Lorenzo Parra, at the Penchanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, United States. Pacquiao’s son, Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr, will make his pro debut on the card at 24. 

Reaction

“Manny Pacquiao is widely beloved around the globe, he is a true boxing legend who wants to leave legacy beyond the ring. His life story mirrors the spirit of IBA’s mission: giving every young boxer a fair chance to have achieve their dreams. We have been helping children as an organization, while Manny has been doing it all alone. Now, we will continue to help our children together as a united IBA boxing family and extend Manny’s programs beyond the borders,” Umar Kremlev (IBA President)

“Under the visionary leadership of President Umar Kremlev, the IBA has entered a Golden Era — an era where every boxer, from every country, can dream, fight, and succeed on equal terms. I am proud to join this mission — to make sure no young boxer is left behind, no champion is forgotten, and no nation is excluded. As Vice President, I will dedicate myself to building bridges — between amateurs and professionals, between East and West, between generations and cultures. I believe boxing can unite people in ways that politics never can. It can change lives, transform communities, and bring peace where there is division,” Manny Pacquiao

The Risks

The move signals a greater influence for the Filipino outside the sport of boxing, even though he recently returned out of retirement to take on the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Pacman put on a commendable performance to secure a majority draw at the age of 46, while some arguably believed that he had done enough to win the fight. Pacquiao’s next fight is set for January 24, 2026, with a whole host of names being linked.

Rolando Romero, the WBA Welterweight Champion, has been mentioned, allowing Pacman the chance to beat his own record of being the oldest welterweight champ at 47. Pacman set the record when he beat Keith Thurman at 40 in 2019 for the WBA Welterweight Belt. Meanwhile, reports also suggest that a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch is being considered for 2026 on Netflix. Although Pacman feels he still has plenty to give, there are naturally questions over whether he can balance those ventures inside and outside the ring.