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January 22, 1995 25 years ago today, I started my professional boxing career. I never imagined life would bring me to where I am now. I never dreamed of all the accomplishments my future would hold. Boxing changed my life forever. It lifted my family and I out of poverty, brought me places I never dreamed I would be, and provided me the opportunities to help others along the way. However, I would not be where I am today if it were not for my family, who always stood beside me through the ups and downs; my coaches and team, who worked tirelessly to get us where we needed to be; my countrymen, who encouraged me and allowed me the privilege to represent our beloved country - the Philippines; and to all my fans around the world, who continually cheered me on and supported me. Manny Pac-Man Pacquiao has made it this far because of you, so I dedicate this day to all of you that have been there for me these past 25 years. Thank you all so much and may God bless!

A post shared by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) on Jan 22, 2020 at 7:20am PST

Eight weight-division champion Manny Pacquiao turned nostalgic on Thursday, as he looked back to the day he first fought as a professional.

"25 years ago today (January 22), I started my professional boxing career. I never imagined life would bring me to where I am now. I never dreamed of all the accomplishments my future would hold," he said.

Pacquiao became famous because of his ring exploits, but it was his inspiring rags-to-riches story that caught the imagination of fans around the globe.

"Boxing changed my life forever. It lifted my family and I out of poverty, brought me places I never dreamed I would be, and provided me the opportunities to help others along the way," the senator and businessman said.

"Manny Pac-Man Pacquiao has made it this far because of you, so I dedicate this day to all of you that have been there for me these past 25 years. Thank you all so much and may God bless!"

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