Emmanuel’ Jimuel’ Pacquiao Jr., the son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, is officially set to turn professional. World Boxing News can confirm that the young fighter will make his debut on the first MP Promotions show staged in the United States on November 29th in Temecula, California.
This announcement puts to rest months of speculation regarding the 24-year-old’s professional future, a discussion that intensified when his father excluded him from his anticipated comeback undercard over the summer.
Amateur Record Questioned
While the decision to turn pro signals a new chapter, it follows an amateur career that has left some questions unanswered. Pacquiao Jr. reportedly compiled a mixed amateur record of 6-4. However, WBN sources indicate his accurate record may be unclear, with reports of four consecutive losses and at least one uncounted draw, suggesting his development has been inconsistent.
The uncertainty over his readiness was previously highlighted by his head trainer, Marvin Somodio, at the Wild Card Gym.
“Manny Jr. is just training every day, just like my other professional fighters,” Somodio told WBN earlier this year. “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 trainer’s focus on “improving him at the gym every day” over rushing him into a debut suggested a cautious approach, which may now be paying off.
A Strategic Delay for Pacquiao Jr?
Pacquiao Jr.’s exclusion from the high-profile undercard of his father’s most recent major fight (which WBN had reported first) caused a stir among fans. However, WBN understands this was likely a strategic choice by the eight-weight world champion to protect his son from unnecessary pressure.
For a young fighter transitioning from the amateurs, debuting on a co-feature with his legendary father would have placed an impossible level of scrutiny and media attention on his first paid bout.
This carefully planned debut on a dedicated MP Promotions card allows the younger Pacquiao to enter the professional ranks on his own terms. Furthermore, sources suggest that Pacquiao Jr. is being eyed for a future appearance on his father’s potential next ring return, a clash against Rolly Romero, if Premier Boxing Champions confirms that blockbuster fight for January 2026.
Pacquiao Jr. will now aim to prove his team right and forge his own legacy.
Manny Pacquiao Promotions will release further details regarding his opponent and the full card for the November 29th show soon.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.