The legacy of the legendary Manny Pacquiao is immense and now it is projected directly onto his son, 24-year-old Emmanuel ‘Jimuel’ Pacquiao Jr., who is about to make the leap to professionalism under the promotion of his own father, Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP), with his debut ahead in the coming days.
Jimuel is scheduled to make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight bout on November 29 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The youngster will face fellow debutant Brendan Lally in what will be the co-main event of the night.
Pacquiao’s son feels the pressure of his surname
Although his father is expanding his promotion (MPP) into the US market with this event, as it is his first foray outside of the Philippines, the attention of the media and fans has focused on the heir to the name.
The problem arose after the publication of a video of Jimuel’s training session during press day. Although the clip was titled with references to “amazing power” similar to that of his father, the response from the online boxing community was largely skeptical and critical.
It is not easy being the son of an important figure and dedicating oneself to the same discipline, as people will obviously make comparisons and matching Manny Pacquiao’s level is almost impossible. Even so, Jimuel has faith in himself and will stick to his convictions in order to become a great boxer.
Manny Pacquiao’s son is criticized by fans
The video of Pacquiao’s son training for his next fight quickly went viral on social media and fans’ comments were not the best, as the 24-year-old boxer was showered with criticism and comparisons.
The main comparisons made by fans were in the boxer’s speed, as they told him he was “light years” ahead of what his father was doing. It is inevitable to compare the son with the father, but Emmanuel will have to deal with this throughout his career and show mental strength.
With his debut approaching, and training under the tutelage of experienced trainer Marvin Somodio at the Wild Card Gym, Jimuel has the opportunity to silence the skeptics. November 29 will be his first test to prove whether he can forge his own path in the sport or whether the legendary Pacquiao name will prove too heavy a burden.
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