Manny Pacquiao’s son Jimuel gets into the ring to join his father in training
- The 18-year-old aspiring boxer receives tips from his famous dad ahead of fight against Thurman
- Pacquiao has been attracting hundreds of fans on a daily basis during road work in Los Angeles
The eldest son of eight-times division world champion Manny Pacquiao has joined his famous father in training as the Philippines icon’s showdown with unbeaten American Keith Thurman draws nearer.
With less than 11 days to go before Pacquiao puts his reputation on the line as he fights for 30-year-old Thurman’s WBA “super” welterweight belt, the 40-year-old fighting senator got a little help in his training and it came in the form of his 18-year-old teenager son, Jimuel, who is aspiring to carry on the Filipino great’s legacy in the ring.
Last week, Pacquiao’s family joined the Philippines icon in Los Angeles, where his training camp is based. Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) and his entourage then travel to Las Vegas to face Thurman (29-0-0, 22 KOs) in the boxing great’s third world title fight inside 12 months on July 20.
Jimuel wasted no time joining his father in his daily grind in Los Angeles, but it is the first time he has joined him in the ring. It was a rare moment where father and son shadow boxed together at Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, while the elder Pacquiao gave his son tips on how to bob and weave and other pointers that could come to use if the aspiring boxer decides to turn professional.
In one of Pacquiao’s training sessions, Jimuel hit the mitts with veteran coach Marvin Somodio as head trainers “Buboy” Fernandez and Freddie Roach watched, according to ABS-CBN, who reported on the precious scenes between father and son. In one video, Pacquiao can be seen looking intently as his son works out on the mitts.