Top 5 Filipino boxers today

Aside from basketball, the Philippines has always been a country impassioned with boxing. From Pancho Villa to Gabriel “Flash” Elorde to Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, Filipinos have always had someone to root for in the squared circle.

Today, Sports News PH ranks the best boxers you may or may not have heard of in the world of boxing. From tough and resilient warriors looking to etch their name in boxing lore to living legends still wanting a crack at further glory.

Here are the top 5 Filipino boxers in the world today:

5. Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo

A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Featherweight champion, Magsayo earned a name for himself in the boxing world courtesy of his Knockout of the Year contender against Julio Ceja in 2021. The win propelled him to the mainstream and a title shot against then-longtime WBC Featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. Magnifico grabbed a majority decision victory to grab the title and end Russell Jr.’s seven-year reign.

He has since lost the title but currently holds the WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight crown after his recent unanimous decision win against Jorge Mata last July. With technical skills to hang with the best and a lethal left hand to end things early, Magsayo has the potential to regain a world championship in the future.

4. Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire

One of the most popular and lethal boxers to come out of the Philippines, Donaire has already cemented himself in boxing history as one of its greatest. But at 43 years old, Donaire is out to prove he has more left in the tank.

At his peak, Donaire was the unanimous Fighter of the Year in 2012 after dominating the Super Bantamweight division. His lethal combination of thunderous combinations and heavy hands, The Filipino Flash continues to be a problem in the Bantamweight division, where he is currently World Boxing Association (WBA) interim world champion. 

Aside from his achievements, Donaire holds the distinction of being one of the few fighters to push pound-for-pound Japanese star Naoya Inoue to his brink. Donaire has found his place as the 115 division’s boogeyman. He will look to continue to add to his legacy against Seiya Tsutsumi this December.

3. Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem

One of two current Filipino world champions on this list, Jerusalem has been one of the pillars of boxing’s Minimumweight division for years now. A former World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champion, Jerusalem has slowly become one of the country’s most popular boxers, highlighted by his defense of the WBC Minimumweight title in the main event of the 50th anniversary of Thrilla in Manila.

With a rematch against the man who captured his WBO crown, Oscar Collazo, in the works, Jerusalem has a chance to unify the belts and solidify him as one of the greatest 105ers to ever grace the squared circle.

2. “Kid Pedro Heneral” Pedro Taduran

The second Filipino world champion and a roadblock to Jerusalem’s undisputed dreams, Taduran might not be one of the most popular Filipino boxers today, but he is certainly one of the most dangerous. His power has allowed him to rise in the Minimumweight rankings and capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt.

Not to mention, he also headlined Thrila in Manila 2’s countdown card, which saw him arguably have a more dominant performance than Jerusalem. He, Jerusalem, and Collazo are on a crash course to become the division’s undisputed king. At 29 years old, Taduran is the youngest on the list and certainly has the most potential.

1. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao

One of the greatest boxers of all time and the embodiment of Filipino pride. Pacquiao has already crafted a Hall of Fame career, yet he continues to add to his legacy 30 years after his professional debut. The only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing recently fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw last July and has shown no signs of stopping anytime soon.

While Pacman may not have the speed and power that defined him early in his career, he still has his timeless technique. At 46 years old, Pacquiao still has a championship pedigree – maybe that’s why the former senator is still seeking a world championship to his resume. 

Many have tried and many have failed. It is a testament to Pacman’s skill that he can still compete at the highest level. The craziest thing is not even that he continues to compete at the highest level, it’s that he can arguably still capture a world championship before he retires.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.