Can Pacquiao Jr. Live Up To His Father’s Name?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 3:21 AM ET

Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., the 24-year-old son of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, has turned professional.

The fighter is set to make his professional debut on November 29 in Temecula, California, headlining the first U.S. event staged by Manny Pacquiao Promotions. While the name alone ensures immediate attention, the younger Pacquiao’s road to the professional ranks has been marked by uncertainty. Reports suggest he compiled a mixed amateur record of 6-4, with some sources indicating a streak that includes four consecutive losses and an uncounted draw. The debut inevitably invites comparisons to his father, as he faces pressure to perform.

“Manny Jr. is just training every day, just like my other professional fighters. We are hoping to get him a fight soon, but the main thing is improving him at the gym every day. Turning pro in the future is the plan for him, and once I see that he is ready,” trainer Marvin Somodio said

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The boxing world is filled with tales of sons who attempted to follow in the footsteps of their legendary fathers, only to buckle under the weight of expectation. A prime example is Julio César Chávez Jr., the son of the revered Mexican icon, Julio César Chávez Sr. Chávez Jr. started his career well, winning the WBC Middleweight Title. However, his career trajectory was plagued by discipline issues, inconsistent training, and a perceived lack of the grit and dedication. Despite being a world champion, Chávez Jr. was often overshadowed by the shadow of Chávez Sr.

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Similarly, Marvis Frazier, the son of the great heavyweight champion “Smokin'” Joe Frazier, found the pressure insurmountable. While Marvis was a highly-touted amateur who earned a silver medal at the 1983 Pan American Games, his professional career was defined by two defeats. He was brutally knocked out by Larry Holmes in his first world title shot and then suffered a shocking, 30-second knockout loss to Mike Tyson. These swift defeats demonstrated that world-class pedigree does not automatically transfer to the next generation.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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