For Manny Pacquiao, the boxing ring has always been a place of discipline, focus, and sacrifice. But this Father’s Day, the Filipino legend revealed that his greatest lessons did not come from his decades in the sport, they came from being a father.
Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee, have raised five children while navigating fame, political service, and an enduring boxing career that made him the only eight-division world champion in history.
Despite all his success, Pacquiao says nothing has humbled and inspired him like parenthood.
In a message shared as part of a Father’s Day tribute from Premier Boxing Champions, Pacquiao joined other fighters like Mario Barrios and Tim Tszyu to speak on the meaning of fatherhood. His reflections were powerful.
“Be a role model to your children, to your family,” Pacquiao said. “You know, I realized the thing that what you do in the family, in life, the children are copying your style…
“If you are compassionate, if you’re generous, if you are peaceful, same thing with your kids. I mean, amazing, the blessings of God.”
A son’s journey and a father’s presence
Among Manny’s five children, his eldest son Jimuel has followed most closely in his footsteps.
Now living in California, Jimuel is steadily building his own name in amateur boxing. As a proud father, Manny is always watching-and supporting.
Last year, on Jimuel‘s 23rd birthday, Manny and Jinkee both posted tributes to their son. Manny wrote, “I’m thankful God has given me and your mom an amazing son like you.”
While Jinkee shared both baby photos and recent snapshots that captured Jimuel‘s evolution into a role model himself. The images showed not only a rising boxer, but a loving big brother as well.
Despite following in his father’s footsteps, Jimuel is also cautious when it comes to Manny‘s return to boxing.
Speaking about his dad’s decision to face Mario Barrios in an upcoming bout, he said: “He’s 46 now. And even me, as his son, I love him, he’s my dad. There’s also concern there, you know?
“But I believe in him. He has shown us that he stays in shape year around and all that. So weight is not gonna be a problem, fitness is not gonna be a problem.”
Barrios faces weight dilemma ahead of Pacquiao clash
While Pacquiao readies himself for another fight, his opponent Mario Barrios is facing a challenge of his own-making weight. Barrios, currently fighting at welterweight, has acknowledged that his time in the division may be limited.
“It’s only a matter of time until I make that move up,” he said, hinting at a jump to junior middleweight.
Barrios has fought in six divisions already. While he may eventually look to take on the likes of Tim Tszyu or Sebastian Fundora at 154 pounds, his focus now is locked on Pacquiao.
He admitted that he’s still making welterweight comfortably, but should he bulk up slightly for the Pacquiao fight, it could pose a challenge for the 46-year-old legend.
“As soon as that time hits and it’s too much for my body, we’re gonna make the move up,” Barrios added.
As Pacquiao continues to train, balance family life, and embrace his role as a father and fighter, he knows the values he models at home will echo far beyond the boxing ring.
His legacy is already set in the sport. Now, it lives on through his children-and through every moment he reminds the world that compassion, humility, and love are just as powerful as any title belt.
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