INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao was inducted into the "Elorde Hall of Fame" during the 8th Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde Boxing Awards Night at the Manila Hotel Tuesday.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo attended the ceremonies.

In a brief speech early in the program, before Pacquiao arrived, Arroyo noted that before the current boxing icon, ?there was Flash Elorde,? the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion.

In 1933, Elorde was the first Asian to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canosta, New York. He was also inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Aside from Pacquiao, the other awardees are Gerry Peñalosa, Florante Condes, Donnie Nietes, and Nonito Donaire, who were all named Boxers of the Year.