Opinion | Manny Pacquiao’s son ‘Jimuel’ deserves chance to pursue boxing dream ... even if his parents are scared
- Filipino boxing icon has second thoughts and urges Emmanuel Pacquiao Jnr to stay out of the ring
- ‘Pacman’ says his wife Jinkee cries at thought of their son boxing but ‘he really wants to do it’
Many years ago Muhammad Ali was asked by a reporter whether he wanted any of his sons or daughters to follow in his footsteps and become a professional boxer.
Ali’s face brightened and “The Greatest” replied: “Be an engineer, be a lawyer, be a doctor, go to school, don’t be a fool,” he said before pausing. “Don’t be a boxer like me because you can’t be like me!” he added to laughter.
Two generations later, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao faces a dilemma with his own children. The phenomenal success of “Pacman” has inspired millions of his fellow countrymen, not least his 18-year-old son, Emmanuel Junior, who now wants to be like daddy.
But Pacquiao’s mind and heart are split. On one hand, he wants his children to follow their dreams, but on the other he doesn’t really want his son to go through the same struggles he went through in becoming one of the world’s greatest pound-for-pound fighters.