When Eman Bacosa Pacquiao sat down with Jessica Soho on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, he wasn’t just introducing himself as the son of a legend — he was unveiling his own story of resilience, reconciliation, and relentless pursuit of a dream.

The 21-year-old boxer carries a name that weighs heavily in the world of sports, yet his journey is uniquely his own. Born in 2004 to Manny Pacquiao and Joanna Rose Bacosa, Eman grew up far from the spotlight that followed his father. His childhood was shaped not by luxury or fame, but by quiet perseverance, guided by a mother who raised him with strength and faith.

Discovering the Ring

Eman’s love for boxing began when he was only nine. The defining moment came as he watched his father’s match against Shane Mosley — a fight that stirred something deep within him. “When I first tried boxing, I realized I had fallen in love with it,” he recalled.

His first fight was symbolic. In his hometown of Tagum, he found himself across the ring from one of his childhood bullies. The match went three rounds, and Eman emerged victorious, earning P200 — which he immediately handed to his mother. That small victory marked the beginning of something bigger: not just a career, but a calling.

A Complicated Beginning

Growing up without his father’s presence wasn’t easy. Eman understood early on that life had placed them on different paths. But time, maturity, and forgiveness eventually built a bridge between them. In their first real conversation, Manny expressed regret for not being there, and Eman’s response reflected the heart of a son who had long chosen understanding over resentment.

“I forgave him,” Eman said quietly. “I told him, ‘Dad, I understand your situation. What matters most is being with you and feeling your support.’”

That moment of reconciliation was sealed when Manny legally gave Eman his last name — a gesture that Eman describes as one of the most emotional moments of his life. “When he told me he was changing my surname to Pacquiao, I went to my room and cried. I thanked God. It felt like something I had been waiting for my whole life.”

Finding His Place in Japan

At 12, Eman and his mother moved to Japan, where he spent five years studying and training. His mother, who is half-Japanese, eventually gave her blessing for him to pursue boxing seriously. Japan became his classroom — not only for the sport, but for discipline, independence, and humility.

“Training there taught me focus and respect,” he said. “It made me realize that hard work is what makes a fighter, not just a famous name.”

The Return and the Reconnection

In 2022, after ten years apart, Eman and his father reunited. The meeting was emotional — a long-awaited embrace between father and son. “When he hugged me tightly, I tried to hold back my tears. It had been a decade since we last saw each other. That moment will stay with me forever.”

Eman told his father that he wanted to become a boxer. Manny, knowing the brutal demands of the sport, advised him to study instead and even offered to send him to America. But Eman stood firm. “Boxing is my passion, Dad. This is my path.”

The Name and the Legacy

Now known as Eman Bacosa Pacquiao, the young fighter carries both names with pride — his father’s legacy and his mother’s love. While grateful for the Pacquiao surname, he insists on using his mother’s as well. “I fight for my mother. I want to show people that it’s not just about a name. It’s about faith, hard work, and heart.”

He acknowledges the pressure that comes with being a Pacquiao, but he refuses to let it define him. “At the end of the day, I’m not Manny Pacquiao. I’m Eman Bacosa Pacquiao. I want people to know me for who I am.”

A Fighter with Faith

More than victories or fame, Eman fights for something deeply personal — to uplift his family and honor God. “I’m not like other boxers who boast. I just want to make my family proud and glorify the Lord through boxing.”

Supported by both his mother and his stepfather, whom he calls a true father figure, Eman continues to train and dream. His goal: to become a world champion, not to live in his father’s shadow, but to shine beside it.

And as the world begins to see the next chapter of the Pacquiao story unfold, one thing becomes clear — Eman isn’t just following a legacy; he’s building his own, one punch, one prayer, and one dream at a time.