Former world champion Gerry Penalosa responding to a last question at a recent Philippine Sportswriter’s Association Forum at Amelie Hotel in Ermita, said he believes Jimuel Pacquaio, eldest child of eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee is “serious” about following his father’s footsteps inside the ring
At 40, Manny Pacquiao is definitely on the tail end of his career, and while he may still be able to compete at a high level now, eventually, the “Pambansang Kamao” will have to call it a career.
Definitely, there will never be another Manny Pacquiao, but there could be another Pacquiao to continue Manny’s legacy inside the ring, and that’s none other than his son Jimuel. The 18-year old has already begun his boxing journey, winning all three of his amateur fights this year, and during his father’s training against Keith Thurman last July, Jimuel was able to see his dad at work in the gym.
“It feels good, I can finally watch him train, watch him spar, get a few ideas from him,” said Jimuel, who was at the Wild Card Gym during one of Manny’s training sessions last week. Jimuel and the rest of the Pacquiao family recently arrived in the US to join Manny ahead of his big title bout.
Even Penalosa has seen the fire in the younger Pacquiao. ” Mukhang seryoso Malaga. Hindi daw mapigilan. Kinausap ko si ma’am Jinkee, pati si Senator. Gusto daw talaga. Kako, e kung ganon, e sige na lang siguro. Karangalan din naman yun” said Penalosa.
If Jimuel does decided to make a career, then he may not have to look too far for a coach in his corner. Also in the states for the Pacquiao camp is Paul Fernandez, the son of Manny’s friend and trainer Buboy. Paul has been in camp from the beginning, and says that he has learned a lot seeing his dad train the Filipino boxing legend.
Could Jimuel and Paul be the second coming of the Manny and Buboy tandem? Only time will tell. For now however, Paul says that he will be focusing on his studies, but if Jimuel asks for some help in training, he won’t think twice about doing so.
With additional Reports from Manila Bulletin, abs-cbn sports.com
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https://sports.inquirer.net/345376/p2fb-watch-manny-pacquiao-coaches-son-jimuel-who-aspires-to-be-a-boxer
https://k-push.abs-cbn.com/2019/4/28/fresh-scoops/jimuel-pacquiao-wins-another-boxing-match-207237
