Manny Pacquiao Jr. is set to follow his father's legendary footsteps into professional boxing, with preparations already underway at the iconic Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
The 23-year-old fighter is currently honing his skills under the guidance of Marvin Somodo and Freddie Roach, the latter having famously trained his father during his illustrious career.
Roach, who helped guide Pacquiao Sr. to multiple world titles before his 2021 retirement, is now part of the team shaping the younger Pacquiao's transition from amateur to professional ranks.
In the amateur ranks, Pacquiao Jr. has been steadily building his experience in the super lightweight division.
Official records on BoxRec list him with a 4-4 record, though his complete amateur record is believed to be closer to 7-5.
His development in the unpaid ranks has been focused at the Wild Card Gym, where he regularly spars with world-class fighters as part of his preparation for the professional ranks.
Head trainer Somodo has expressed optimism about Pacquiao Jr.'s development, telling World Boxing News: "Manny Jr. is just training every day just like my other professional fighters."
"He is doing really well. His work ethic is really good," Somodo added.
"You see him every day in the gym and never complain. We spar with world-class fighters, and he does well."
Regarding the young fighter's professional prospects, Somodo remained measured: "Turning pro in the future is the plan for him, and once I see that he is ready."
"His future depends on his performance when he turns pro. I believe he will do well, but only time will tell."
Pacquiao Jr.'s professional debut could potentially come on a significant stage, with plans for him to feature on his father's comeback fight undercard.
The elder Pacquiao is currently in negotiations for a WBC welterweight title bout against champion Mario Barrios.
Though initial talks for the Pacquiao-Barrios fight collapsed earlier this year, with Abel Ramos instead getting a title shot in November, the door remains open for future negotiations.
The delay was attributed to Pacquiao Sr.'s political commitments, with Santos telling Boxing Scene: "Manny Pacquiao wanted to fight Barrios and we wanted the fight but the fight couldn't be made in time because he's gonna be running for the senate again."
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The 23-year-old fighter is currently honing his skills under the guidance of Marvin Somodo and Freddie Roach, the latter having famously trained his father during his illustrious career.
Roach, who helped guide Pacquiao Sr. to multiple world titles before his 2021 retirement, is now part of the team shaping the younger Pacquiao's transition from amateur to professional ranks.
In the amateur ranks, Pacquiao Jr. has been steadily building his experience in the super lightweight division.
Official records on BoxRec list him with a 4-4 record, though his complete amateur record is believed to be closer to 7-5.
His development in the unpaid ranks has been focused at the Wild Card Gym, where he regularly spars with world-class fighters as part of his preparation for the professional ranks.
Head trainer Somodo has expressed optimism about Pacquiao Jr.'s development, telling World Boxing News: "Manny Jr. is just training every day just like my other professional fighters."
"He is doing really well. His work ethic is really good," Somodo added.
"You see him every day in the gym and never complain. We spar with world-class fighters, and he does well."
Regarding the young fighter's professional prospects, Somodo remained measured: "Turning pro in the future is the plan for him, and once I see that he is ready."
"His future depends on his performance when he turns pro. I believe he will do well, but only time will tell."
Pacquiao Jr.'s professional debut could potentially come on a significant stage, with plans for him to feature on his father's comeback fight undercard.
The elder Pacquiao is currently in negotiations for a WBC welterweight title bout against champion Mario Barrios.
Though initial talks for the Pacquiao-Barrios fight collapsed earlier this year, with Abel Ramos instead getting a title shot in November, the door remains open for future negotiations.
The delay was attributed to Pacquiao Sr.'s political commitments, with Santos telling Boxing Scene: "Manny Pacquiao wanted to fight Barrios and we wanted the fight but the fight couldn't be made in time because he's gonna be running for the senate again."
Find Out More...