Former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao has been appointed as vice president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), marking a rare transition from sporting legend to sports governor on the world stage. The appointment, made official during the IBA Board of Directors meeting held in Manila, positions Pacquiao at the heart of boxing’s next chapter as the [former amateur sanctioning] organization pushes forward in its to professionalize the sport. Pacquiao, revered as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history, will work alongside IBA president Umar Kremlev to develop athlete-first programs and grow boxing in Asia and beyond.

Kremlev said, “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.”

Pacquiao added, “Under the visionary leadership of President Umar Kremlev, the IBA has entered a golden 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.”