Manny Pacquiao says son Jimuel can be a champion too after impressing in debut exhibition bout
- Filipino boxing icon’s 18-year-old son impresses in the ring after only a few weeks of training
- Emmanuel ‘Jimuel’ Pacquiao Jnr fights aggressively against school chum in Philippines gym
Manny Pacquiao’s eldest son seems to be following in the footsteps of his famous father after the teenager made his “debut” in a recent amateur exhibition bout.
Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jnr took up boxing earlier this year but he showed some of his dad’s legendary moves, knocking down school friend Lucas Carson in a two round bout in a gym in the Philippines last week.
Junior only began boxing soon before his father successfully defended his WBA welterweight world championship title against American Adrien Broner in Las Vegas last month and despite his limited experience, he had a small crowd roaring with delight after showing battling qualities and aggressiveness in the fight.
Pacquiao Jnr is 18 years old and is eldest of the boxing icon’s five children. The fighting Filipino senator told the South China Morning Post that young Emmanuel could become a champion one day – if he’s willing to work hard for it.
“I support Emmanuel Jnr in any and all of his endeavours. Boxing is a very tough sport, but I believe my son has what it takes to become a champion, if he puts his mind and heart into it,” Pacquiao told the Post.