More than Manny’s son: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao rises

MANILA, Philippines – Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is the spitting image of his father. Close your eyes and you’d mistake the 22-year-old for Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao when he talks.

Even their careers outside boxing bear similarities. Just like his pop who starred in a number of films, Bacosa Pacquiao has also entered the colorful world of show business after signing with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

Sure, they’re cut from the same cloth, but Bacosa Pacquiao insists they’re also distinct from each other. 

“They’ll know the difference because Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is Eman Bacosa Pacquiao,” he said in a press conference for IAM Worldwide, for which he serves as brand ambassador.

While comparisons are hard to avoid, Bacosa Pacquiao is determined to tread his own path as he works toward his goal of becoming a world champion.

Bacosa Pacquiao said he takes his boxing seriously despite the many opportunities outside the sport that have come his way since he rose to popularity following his unanimous decision victory over Nico Salado in October in an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Thrilla in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum.

He followed that up with a knockout victory over Indonesia’s Reynold Kundimang in February in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, to raise his professional record to 8-0-1 (win-loss-draw). 

“I’m focused whenever I have a fight. If I have a fight, I’m completely locked in on it. If there isn’t one, then it’s time for showbiz because that’s my second work. My main work is boxing. That’s really my passion. I want to know how far I can go,” said Bacosa Pacquiao. 

He also refuses to let the fame of the Pacquiao name get into his head. 

“When I train, I train with all my heart,” said Bacosa Pacquiao. “I make sure to always stay grounded and be humble.” 

Bacosa Pacquiao’s world champion aspirations are rooted in his desire to be an inspiration to the youth, having experienced hardships and bullying at a young age in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. 

He remembers being picked on by schoolmates as he grappled with the realities of being Pacquiao’s illegitimate child. Pacquiao and Bacosa Pacquiao’s mother, Joanna Rose, began a relationship in 2003 as the boxing great frequented the hotel where she worked at. Bacosa Pacquiao was born a year later.

It was only in 2022, Bacosa Pacquiao said, when his father acknowledged him and urged him to adopt the Pacquiao surname.

“Growing up, we were very poor. Everything that my daddy went through before he became Manny Pacquiao, I also experienced. I was bullied when I was young. Whenever I left school, there would be bullies waiting for me. Growing up, I barely had any confidence,” said Bacosa Pacquiao. 

From a boy who lacked self esteem, Bacosa Pacquiao now carries himself with charm and boldness that have landed him several endorsements and his first acting gig as he’s set to appear in the GMA action drama series Never Say Die starring Jillian Ward. 

Bacosa Pacquiao hopes to have a long career in entertainment, with Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera among the stars he dreams to work with.

Still, his heart belongs to boxing — the sport not even his mother could stop him from pursuing.

Aware who his father is at a young age, Bacosa Pacquiao first picked up boxing when he was nine, stopped for a few years at his mother’s behest, then committed to becoming a professional boxer with the help of his stepfather Sultan Ramir Dino when they lived in Japan.

SPITTING IMAGE. Eman Bacosa Pacquiao with father and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

“I understand what it means to have nothing. I understand the value of hard work and perseverance. I’m inspired because there are so many boxers who dream of becoming world champions, making a name for themselves, and providing for their families, but only a few make it,” said Bacosa Pacquiao. 

“I’m really inspired because the Lord gave me an opportunity to inspire many young people and show that nothing is impossible in life. You never really know what will happen tomorrow. All you can do is give your best today.” 

Bacosa Pacquiao belongs in a loaded lightweight class bannered by the likes of Gervonta Davis, Raymond Muratalla, Abdullah Mason, and even compatriot Mark Magsayo. But as stacked as the division is, he fully believes in himself.

“It’s close. I can already feel it,” said Bacosa Pacquiao when asked about winning a world title. “I just really want to enjoy the moment while I’m not a champion yet because that would be a big accomplishment in my life. I just want to enjoy the blessings God has given me.” – Rappler.com