Eman Bacosa Pacquiao

Fighting with faith and a grateful heart

At the recent Thrilla in Manila 2 event, a new fighter loomed large in the ring. Emmanuel Joseph Bacosa Pacquiao, once known simply asEman Bacosa, has maintained an undefeated record of seven wins, no losses, one draw, and four knockouts.

While the event was organized by his father, Manny Pacman Pacquiao, to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary 1975 fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, much of the buzz shifted to Eman, Manny’s 21-year-old son with Joanna Rose Bacosa.

For most of his life, Eman carried his mother’s last name. Born in 2004 and raised away from the spotlight, he grew up knowing who his father was but never relying on the fame attached to the Pacquiao name. His journey was humble and often difficult but filled with the quiet strength of faith and gratitude.

In a recent interview with Jessica Soho, Eman spoke candidly about those early years.

“We didn’t have much,” he said, “but I was happy. My mom taught me to thank God for everything, even the small things.”

Eman first fell in love with boxing at age nine, after watching his father’s match against Shane Mosley. At 12, he moved to Japan, where his mother, who is half-Japanese, encouraged him to pursue both education and the sport he loved. For five years, he balanced school and rigorous training, learning discipline, humility, and the value of hard work.

Before the Thrilla in Manila 2, Manny Pacquiao made a heartfelt public gesture, apologizing to Eman for not being there when he was younger and officially allowing him to carry the Pacquiao surname. It was a moment of healing and recognition. Even more touching, Jinkee Pacquiao and Manny’s other children have since welcomed Eman into the family, embracing him with warmth and understanding.

Eman, however, remains grounded. He often credits his stepfather, Papa Sultan, as the man who raised him with real love and guidance.

“It was from him that we felt what it’s like to have a real father,” he said.

Now an undefeated amateur boxer, Eman continues to chase his dream, and not to live under his father’s shadow, but to create his own light. Before every fight, he prays.

“Every punch I throw, every win, it’s all because of God,” he shared.

Currently a Grade 11 student in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) with plans to study mechanical engineering, Eman is determined to prove that success isn’t inherited, it’s earned.

In finding peace with his past and gratitude for the present, Eman Pacquiao reminds us that true strength comes not from wealth or name, but from forgiveness, humility, and grace.

–With files compiled by Pilipino Express