Manny Pacquiao Jr. is being considered for an appearance on his father’s world title undercard, World Boxing News can reveal.
WBN confirmed late last year that the former amateur boxer would make his professional debut in 2025. Following another win last month, Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr., also known as Jimuel, returned to the ring.
By July, the prospect will undoubtedly be ready for his bow in the paid ranks.
Winning his first amateur fight in 2022, Pacman Jr. has endured mixed results, including four recorded losses from ten bouts. His father has been giving him tips, but the consensus is Junior has a long way to go.
Pacquiao Sr. has begun training for his comeback from a four-year absence. The eight-weight world champion will challenge Mario Barrios this summer for the WBC welterweight title.
Having his son on the undercard is a dream for the Filipino superstar and would complete a full circle for the family.
Marvin Somodo, Pacquiao’s friend, former gym partner, and now a Wildcard coach in Los Angeles, is currently training Pacquiao Jr.
Jimuel had already stated he would be eager to secure a place on the Premier Boxing Champions Pay Per View before Somodo spoke to WBN.
Wild Card Gym On the 23-year-old’s development, Somodo stated, “He is doing really well. His work ethic is really good. You see him every day in the gym and never complain.
“We spar with world-class fighters, and he does well. His future depends on his performance when he turns pro. I believe he will do well, but only time will tell.
“Manny Jr is training every day 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. The plan is for him to become a professional boxer, but you never know.”
Freddie Roach is preparing to welcome Pacquiao Sr. to the United States after his charge lost the Philippines Senate election.
Roach has been present with Pacquiao since his US debut and oversaw his rise in professional boxing to multiple world titles and a mega-money clash with Floyd Mayweather.
WBN believes that despite losing a unanimous decision against Mayweather, reports of a Pacquiao rematch anytime soon are wide of the mark.
For now, Barrios is the target as Roach adds his expertise to another potential legacy addition for the 2025 Hall of Famer.
The pair will reunite for the Barrios fight in Las Vegas as the ‘Pac-Man’ eyes the extension of his oldest welterweight champion record by six years. Defeating Keith Thurman in July 2019 saw Pacquiao win the welterweight title at 40.
Over half a decade later, Pacquiao could become WBC welterweight champion despite failing to impress in bouts against Yordenis Ugas and kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.
The World Boxing Council has ranked Pacquiao number five ahead of the announcement.
Pacquiao vs. Barrios could prove a family affair with wife Jinkee Pacquiao ringside to witness father and son compete.
