In the world of boxing, the Pacquiao name is synonymous with greatness. Manny Pacquiao, an icon who has achieved everything in the sport, has passed the torch to his son, Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., who is carving out his own path in the boxing world. Recently, Jimuel sat down with Freddie Roach, one of the sport’s most respected trainers, for a special session of “Rounds With Freddie,” where they discussed his potential, his journey, and what it’s like to follow in the footsteps of one of the sport’s legends.
A New Pacquiao Rising
Jimuel, the eldest son of Manny Pacquiao, has always been surrounded by the sport of boxing. Growing up with a father who is often considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, it’s no surprise that Jimuel found his own passion for the sport. But being the son of such a figure comes with its own challenges. The pressure to live up to the Pacquiao legacy is immense, and it’s something that Jimuel has had to navigate throughout his young career.
In their conversation, Roach, who has trained the senior Pacquiao throughout his career, spoke highly of Jimuel’s work ethic and potential. “He’s got the heart, the drive, and the fundamentals,” Roach said. “He may be Manny’s son, but Jimuel is his own fighter. He’s willing to learn and put in the work, and that’s what it takes to make it in this sport.”
Jimuel’s journey into boxing wasn’t without hesitation. As a young man, he could have chosen a different path, with his father’s fame offering him a life outside the ring. However, Jimuel found a deeper connection to the sport that goes beyond his father’s legacy. “It’s about me,” Jimuel said during the interview. “I respect my dad, but I’m working to be my own fighter, my own person. I want to make my own name, just like he did.”
Training With Freddie Roach
Freddie Roach, who has been instrumental in shaping the careers of countless boxing champions, has seen a lot of potential in Jimuel. Despite being in the early stages of his career, Jimuel’s skills in the ring have already caught the attention of those who know what it takes to succeed. Roach emphasized that the younger Pacquiao is more than just a fighter with a famous name — he has the instincts and dedication required to make it at the highest level.
“Jimuel’s got that Pacquiao fire,” Roach said. “He’s quick, he’s strong, and his footwork is solid. But most importantly, he listens. That’s the key. He’s got the tools to be great, and if he continues to work hard and stay focused, there’s no limit to what he can achieve.”
The training sessions between Roach and Jimuel have focused on refining his skills, improving his defense, and building his stamina. Roach noted that while Jimuel has the natural talent to succeed, it’s the small details that will make the difference as he moves forward in his career. “It’s not just about speed and power,” Roach explained. “You need to learn how to control the ring, control your emotions, and outsmart your opponent. We’re working on those things.”
What’s Next for Jimuel Pacquiao?
As Jimuel continues to develop his craft, many wonder what the future holds for him in the boxing world. While comparisons to his father are inevitable, Jimuel is focused on forging his own path. “I’m not trying to be my dad,” Jimuel stated. “I respect what he’s done, but I want to be known for what I accomplish on my own.”
There’s no denying that the road ahead for Jimuel will be challenging. As the son of a global icon, every fight will come with the weight of expectations. But in his conversations with Roach, Jimuel made it clear that he’s ready to face the pressure head-on. “I’m not afraid of the challenge,” he said. “I’ve been surrounded by greatness my whole life. I’ve learned a lot from my dad, from Freddie, and from everyone who’s helped me along the way. Now it’s time for me to show the world what I’m capable of.”
For Freddie Roach, the future looks bright for Jimuel. “He’s got the drive, the heart, and the skills,” Roach said. “All he needs is time and experience. I’m excited to see how far he can go.”
Conclusion
Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr. is stepping into the ring with the eyes of the boxing world on him, but he’s not afraid to create his own legacy. With the guidance of legendary trainer Freddie Roach, Jimuel is building a solid foundation to make his mark on the sport, one fight at a time. While comparisons to his father will always be part of his journey, Jimuel is focused on defining himself and proving that he’s much more than just a son of a legend. The world will be watching closely to see how Jimuel Pacquiao’s boxing story unfolds, but one thing is for certain — he’s determined to make his own way.
