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Tag: Manny Pacquiao

  • “He is a self-proclaimed GOAT”: Manny Pacquiao says he has a better legacy than Floyd Mayweather

    “He is a self-proclaimed GOAT”: Manny Pacquiao says he has a better legacy than Floyd Mayweather

    Boxing fans around the world are once again turning their attention to a rivalry that defined an era, as reports continue to build around a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao nearly a decade after their historic first meeting.

     

    Multiple announcements circulating online—some attributed to Netflix—indicate that the two legends are set to face off on September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines), with the bout reportedly scheduled at the cutting-edge Sphere. If confirmed, the event would mark the first professional boxing match to be staged at the venue, adding another layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing spectacle.

     

    The streaming giant is also expected to carry the fight exclusively worldwide, signaling a continued push into live sports programming. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Netflix described the potential clash as a landmark moment for boxing—bringing together two of the most recognizable figures of the modern era on an unprecedented stage.

     

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    The announcement has quickly reignited global interest, reviving memories of their long-awaited 2015 showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” that bout saw Mayweather secure a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his undefeated record while capturing the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles. Despite breaking pay-per-view records and generating massive revenue, the fight drew mixed reactions, with some fans feeling it fell short of expectations inside the ring.

    Since then, both fighters have further cemented their legacies. Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a flawless 50–0 record, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive tacticians in the sport’s history. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he captured 15 major world titles across five weight divisions, from super featherweight to light middleweight, and added an Olympic bronze medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games to his résumé.

     

    Pacquiao, on the other hand, built one of the most unique and decorated careers the sport has ever seen. The Filipino icon remains the only boxer in history to win world championships in eight different weight divisions, a feat that underscores both his versatility and longevity. Known for his explosive southpaw style and relentless pace, Pacquiao has consistently competed at the highest level across multiple eras, further enhancing his standing among boxing’s all-time greats.

     

    In the lead-up to the reported rematch, Pacquiao has already added fuel to the narrative by weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding boxing’s greatest of all time. Speaking on “Inside the Ring,” the 47-year-old did not hold back when discussing Mayweather’s legacy.

     

    “He is a self-proclaimed GOAT. He cannot claim that he is the only undefeated fighter who retired. There’s at least more than 15 fighters that retired undefeated. But I can claim that I’m the only eight-division world champion in history. And I’m the only fighter that became a world champion in four different decades,” Pacquiao said.

     

    Pacquiao’s credentials remain unparalleled in several respects. He is the only fighter to hold world titles across four decades—the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s—and, in July 2019, became the oldest welterweight world champion in history at age 40. He also stands as the first boxer to achieve recognized four-time welterweight champion status, further highlighting the breadth of his accomplishments.

     

    As anticipation continues to grow, the prospect of a Mayweather–Pacquiao rematch—regardless of whether it takes the form of an exhibition or official contest—has already succeeded in reigniting debate about legacy, longevity, and greatness. While it remains to be seen whether a second meeting can replicate the global impact of their first encounter, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Mayweather and Pacquiao still holds a powerful grip on the boxing world.

     

     

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  • “Crawford beats Mayweather in their prime”: Manny Pacquiao’s comments fuel new GOAT argument in boxing 

    “Crawford beats Mayweather in their prime”: Manny Pacquiao’s comments fuel new GOAT argument in boxing 

    Boxing fans across the globe are bracing for what is being billed as one of the most high-profile exhibition-style events in recent memory, with reports indicating that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to meet once again in a rematch nearly a decade after their first iconic showdown.

     

    According to multiple announcements circulating on social media and attributed to Netflix, the two all-time greats will square off on September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines), with the bout scheduled to take place at the technologically advanced Sphere venue. The streaming giant is expected to carry the event exclusively worldwide, marking yet another major push into live sports entertainment.

     

    Netflix confirmed the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing the matchup as a historic occasion: the first professional boxing event to be staged at the Sphere, featuring two of the most recognizable names in the sport’s modern era. The announcement quickly sparked global debate and excitement, as fans revisited one of boxing’s most polarizing and commercially successful rivalries.

     

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    The upcoming fight revisits the long-standing narrative between Mayweather and Pacquiao, whose first meeting in 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was promoted as the “Fight of the Century.” That bout, years in the making due to prolonged negotiations, ultimately saw Mayweather claim a unanimous decision victory to preserve his perfect record. The fight shattered pay-per-view records but also drew criticism from some fans who felt the action did not fully live up to its massive hype.

     

    Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a pristine 50–0 record, remains one of the sport’s most accomplished defensive technicians. Over the course of his career, he captured 15 major world championships across five weight divisions, ranging from super featherweight to light middleweight. His résumé also includes an Olympic bronze medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games in the featherweight division, underscoring a decorated career that spanned more than two decades.

     

    Pacquiao, meanwhile, carved out his own legendary path as one of boxing’s most dynamic and versatile fighters. Known for his explosive southpaw style and relentless pace, the Filipino icon became the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. His career has been defined not only by championship success but also by his longevity and ability to compete at elite level across multiple eras of the sport.

    In the lead-up to the reported rematch, Pacquiao has already begun to stir conversation with his assessment of modern greats and past opponents. In a recent appearance on “Inside the Ring,” the 47-year-old veteran suggested that undefeated American star Terence Crawford would have posed significant stylistic problems for Mayweather had both fighters met in their primes.

     

    “I think Crawford beats Mayweather if they both fought in their prime. He has the advantage as a southpaw,” Pacquiao said. “I saw Crawford as a southpaw; he mastered it. He knows how to handle his advantage, to maximize his advantage, against an orthodox fighter.”

     

    The remarks add another layer of intrigue to the broader discussion surrounding generational greatness in boxing, particularly as fans continue to debate how fighters from different eras would match up stylistically.

     

    Crawford, who retired in 2025 with an unblemished 42–0 record, is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters of his generation. His career included world titles in five weight classes, from lightweight to super middleweight, and he also achieved the rare distinction of becoming a three-division undisputed champion. Despite frequent comparisons to Mayweather from fans and pundits, Crawford has consistently expressed admiration rather than rivalry toward the former pound-for-pound king.

     

    “Man, listen. That’s the GOAT,” Crawford said of Mayweather in a previous interview. “Mayweather is one of the GOATs. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Mayweather. I would never compare myself to Mayweather. He’s the greatest of his era, and I’m the greatest of my era.”

     

    He has also pushed back against narratives that attempt to diminish Mayweather’s accomplishments or pit modern fighters against him in hypothetical matchups.

     

    “I don’t understand why, especially our people, hate on Mayweather so much. He made so much history for us. He paved the way for me to be where I’m at,” Crawford added. “I don’t know why a lot of people always try to tarnish his career or want me to be like, ‘I’ll knock Mayweather out’ or always try to compare us.”

     

    As anticipation builds, the reported Mayweather–Pacquiao rematch—regardless of its format—has already reignited discussions about legacy, longevity, and the enduring appeal of two of boxing’s most influential figures. Whether the event will recapture the global attention of their first meeting remains to be seen, but it has already succeeded in putting the sport’s biggest historical rivalry back in the spotlight.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao calls for stronger global investment in youth sports in United Nations speech

    Manny Pacquiao calls for stronger global investment in youth sports in United Nations speech

    Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao continues to expand his influence far beyond the ring, this time taking center stage at a United Nations session in New York City, where he delivered a keynote address on the power of sport in shaping young lives and promoting peace.

     

    Widely regarded as the greatest athlete to emerge from the Philippines—and one of the most accomplished boxers in history—Pacquiao was invited to speak at the UN event titled “Sports for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism.” The session highlighted how sports can serve as a powerful tool in addressing social issues, fostering unity, and creating opportunities for youth in vulnerable communities.

     

    During his address, Pacquiao reflected on his personal journey from extreme poverty in General Santos City to becoming an eight-division world champion and global sporting icon. He emphasized how discipline, structure, and hope—instilled through boxing—transformed the trajectory of his life.

     

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    Growing up in hardship, Pacquiao said sport became his pathway out of poverty and a foundation for personal growth. His story, he noted, is not unique, as many young people around the world face similar struggles and are in need of guidance and opportunity.

     

    At the core of his message was a call for stronger global investment in youth sports programs, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. Pacquiao highlighted examples from the Philippines, including community-based sports initiatives in Mindanao, where organized athletic programs have helped promote peace, trust, and social cohesion in areas historically affected by conflict.

    “Today, there are many young people around the world waiting for that same opportunity. They need support. They need guidance. They need a path forward. We must not fail them,” Pacquiao said.

     

    He further urged world leaders and institutions to recognize sport as more than competition, but as a vehicle for development, education, and long-term peacebuilding.

     

    “Let us work together to strengthen the role of sport as a tool for peace, development, and the prevention of violence and extremism. Let us invest in our youth and expand opportunities for them to grow and succeed. And let us ensure that every young person, no matter where they come from, has the chance to choose a better future,” he added.

     

    Pacquiao’s appearance at the UN was made possible through an invitation from the Philippine Mission to the United Nations. He previously served as a UN Games Ambassador, a role that further solidified his advocacy for youth development and sports diplomacy on the global stage.

     

    Beyond his political and philanthropic work, Pacquiao remains a towering figure in global sport. His achievements in boxing—spanning multiple weight divisions and decades of dominance—have earned him a place among the all-time greats. Yet, as his latest UN appearance shows, his legacy continues to evolve well beyond championship belts and historic fights.

     

    From world titles to global advocacy, Pacquiao’s message remains consistent: sport has the power to change lives, and every young person deserves the chance to discover that path.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao dominates the spotlight with multiple appearances across U.S. sports events

    Manny Pacquiao dominates the spotlight with multiple appearances across U.S. sports events

    The eight‑time world champion’s recent swing through major American sports arenas didn’t include punching gloves—it featured roaring crowds, customized jerseys, and even a return to his early athletic roots on the pitching mound.


    Pacquiao had his appearance at the Los Angeles Clippers matchup against the San Antonio Spurs at the Intuit Dome. Fans erupted when his image appeared on the arena screen, and he waved back, soaking in the welcoming cheers from a crowd that spans beyond boxing’s usual boundaries.

     

    He then made his way to the soccer pitch at Dignity Health Sports Park as a spectator of Major League Soccer action, watching the LA Galaxy fall 2–1 to Minnesota United FC. 

     

    Despite the home team’s loss, Pacquiao remained the focal point, engaging with supporters and posing for photos. The Galaxy presented him with a tailored jersey bearing his name and the number 17.

     

    That influence followed him to ice hockey, where he was spotted courtside for a thrilling showdown between the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs. 

     

    The Kings edged out a 7–6 victory, and the crowd roared even louder when his boxing career highlights were splashed across the Jumbotron, followed by a live shot of Pacquiao soaking it all in.

     

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    Meanwhile, recently he returned to his first athletic love, Pacquiao stepped onto the pitcher’s mound at New York Yankees’ Yankee Stadium to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Oakland Athletics. 

     

    Dressed in a bespoke pinstriped jersey layered over a blue jacket adorned with the Philippine flag, the 47‑year‑old legend received a standing ovation that echoed decades of admiration.

     

    “For the longest time, when I was young, in elementary I used to play baseball. It’s my first sport before boxing,” Pacquiao revealed, reconnecting with the sport that shaped him long before world titles did.

     

    He also reflected on the gravity of the moment amid Yankee lore, “I’ve always loved the energy of New York sports, to stand on this mound where so many legends have played is a great honor. I might be a boxer, but today, I’m just a fan of the game.”

     

    Pacquiao’s US tour isn’t just a series of appearances—it’s a portrait of an athlete whose influence and love for sport rivals even his own storied boxing career. 

     

    It comes with an exciting chapter ahead as Pacquiao will return to the boxing ring this September for a highly anticipated rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, ten years after their first bout.

     

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  • “Make him sign first”: Manny Pacquiao sets conditions for rematch with Floyd Mayweather

    “Make him sign first”: Manny Pacquiao sets conditions for rematch with Floyd Mayweather

    Boxing fans around the world now have a date to mark on their calendars. Nearly a decade after their first historic encounter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are reportedly set to face off once again in a highly anticipated rematch of the iconic “Battle of the Century.”

     

    The welterweight showdown is scheduled for September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines) at the Sphere, with Netflix set to stream the event exclusively, the streaming giant announced.

     

    “Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas. Saturday, September 19. LIVE globally only on Netflix,” Netflix posted on X (formerly Twitter), generating a flurry of excitement among fans worldwide.

     

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    Despite the announcement, uncertainty remains surrounding the fight’s official status. Pacquiao confirmed in a recent media interaction that Mayweather has yet to sign the contract, fueling questions about whether the rematch will be a professional bout or an exhibition.

     

    “Make him sign first. Then I will sign. I know he knows that the contract he signed is for a real fight. That’s how he got the advances from Netflix and the lender,” Pacquiao said, emphasizing that he will only commit once Mayweather’s agreement is finalized.

     

    “There’s no reason for him to cancel it. If he does, that’s his right, but he will face a lot of problems: from Netflix, from event organizers and sponsors, MP Promotions. That’s why for this fight, I made sure he signs first—based on my experience before,” he added.

    Pacquiao’s cautious approach stems from prior experiences with the American superstar. Between 2010 and 2015, Pacquiao signed multiple contracts for fights with Mayweather that never materialized despite repeated assurances from Mayweather’s camp.

     

    “Before the previous fight, we were dealing with him for like eight years. There were so many promises, and I think of all the times I signed a contract thinking that was the one. That was at least five years, with a lot of alibis. Him still changing his mind—you need to honor your commitment. This time, there’s no reason for alibis or excuses,” Pacquiao said.

     

    The eight-division world champion also stressed that he does not see the need for personal calls or meetings with Mayweather regarding the fight. Pacquiao remains confident that alternative plans are available should Mayweather eventually back out.

     

    “There’s no need for me to say anything because he already signed the contract. What for? I’m not angry, but that’s not right to cancel the fight. You have the right to cancel the fight, but you have a lot of consequences to face,” he said.

     

    “We have no problem with that because we have lots of options. Netflix is always there. September 19 is always there. Plan B, Plan C, a lot of options,” Pacquiao added.

     

    Although he officially retired in 2021 following a loss to Yordenis Ugas, Pacquiao has since returned to the ring. His recent draw against Mario Barrios last year and an upcoming exhibition bout against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 are seen as potential tune-ups ahead of a showdown with Mayweather.

     

    Meanwhile, Mayweather has not fought professionally since his 2017 crossover bout with Conor McGregor, though he has remained active in high-profile exhibition matches around the globe.

    Until official details are finalized, the rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao is shaping up to be more than a fight—it is a clash of legends, legacy, and expectations, with the stakes extending beyond the ring as the meaning of the bout itself remains under debate.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala names Manny Pacquiao as dream meet, reflects on growing fame beyond tennis

    Alex Eala names Manny Pacquiao as dream meet, reflects on growing fame beyond tennis

    For someone who has already shared stages, tournaments, and spaces with some of the biggest names in tennis, Alex Eala still has one meeting on her personal wish list that feels bigger than sport.

     

    Not another Grand Slam champion. Not a global celebrity from the tennis world. Not even one of the stars she has crossed paths with on tour.

     

    For Eala, the one athlete she still dreams of meeting is Manny Pacquiao. The 20-year-old Filipina tennis standout revealed as much during her appearance on the Players’ Box Podcast, where she joined fellow tennis stars Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk for a lighthearted conversation that eventually turned personal.

     

    Asked which athlete from another sport she most wanted to meet, Eala did not hesitate.

    “Manny Pacquiao, I haven’t met him yet. Obviously, he’s the Filipino icon,” she answered.

    “He’s huge. Like, when he has a fight before, it would be like a holiday in the Philippines,” she added.

     

    It was a simple answer, but one that says a lot about where Eala stands now in Philippine sports.

    Because while she may not yet occupy the same once-in-a-generation cultural space Pacquiao did at his peak, she is quietly becoming something close in her own field — a Filipino athlete whose presence is starting to travel far beyond the court.

     

    That rise has been especially evident over the last year, with Eala continuing to build her reputation on the global stage and recently reaching the round of 16 of the 2026 Miami Open before bowing out to Karolína Muchová.

     

    Her climb has not only elevated her standing in women’s tennis, but also made her one of the most recognizable Filipino athletes of her generation.

     

    And yet, by her own account, the growing attention still catches her off guard.

    “I notice [the fame] most when I’m at home in the Philippines,” Eala said. “But even when I visited my cousin in Los Angeles, three people approached me. If you had told me two years ago that people would be asking for pictures … well.”

     

    That kind of recognition may still feel new to her, but the pattern is no longer isolated.

     

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    Wherever Eala plays, there seems to be a Filipino crowd waiting.

     

    Whether it is in major tennis cities or in places not always associated with packed tournament stands, she has learned that support from home tends to follow her.

     

    “New York is a big one, as are Melbourne, Manila, and Dubai,” she said. “The Middle East has a massive Filipino population, which I think surprises some people.”

     

    That global Filipino support, she explained, has even changed the way some fellow players view certain tournament stops.

     

    Eala recalled a casual conversation before heading to Abu Dhabi, when another player suggested that drawing a crowd there would be difficult because Middle East tournaments are often associated with quieter attendance.

     

    Eala saw it differently. “Middle East tournaments are sometimes known for having smaller crowds,” she added. “I told them, ‘Wait, you don’t realize how many Filipinos are there.’ For me, it was actually the opposite of what they expected.”

     

    That perspective captures what Eala’s rise has increasingly come to represent.She is not just building a tennis career. She is carrying a fan base with her, one that shows up loudly and proudly in corners of the world where many athletes would not expect it.

     

    In many ways, that is what makes the Pacquiao comparison feel so natural. Not because Eala has already matched his legacy — that would be unfair and far too early — but because she is beginning to understand what it means to represent the Philippines on a stage large enough for the whole world to see.

     

    For now, though, her attention remains on the next stop. After her Miami Open run, Eala is set to shift her focus to the 2026 Upper Austria Ladies Linz from April 6 to 12, where she is expected to enter an unseeded draw that could include dangerous names such as Ekaterina Alexandrova and Emma Raducanu.

     

    It is another test, another tournament, and another opportunity for her rising story to grow.

    And somewhere down the line, perhaps another chance to meet the icon she still sees as the gold standard of Filipino sports fame.

     

     

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  • Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s rematch clouded by confusion as exhibition vs official fight debate emerges

    Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s rematch clouded by confusion as exhibition vs official fight debate emerges

    A decade after their blockbuster showdown reshaped boxing’s global stage, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are once again at the center of the sport’s spotlight but this time, the biggest question isn’t who will win. It’s what kind of fight fans are actually getting.


    What was initially announced as a high-profile rematch set for September, potentially at the futuristic Sphere in Las Vegas and streamed globally on Netflix—has quickly turned into a swirl of mixed signals and conflicting narratives.

     

    Mayweather himself added to the uncertainty after downplaying the bout’s competitive stakes, suggesting that the long-awaited sequel to their 2015 clash may not be a professional fight at all.

    “As of right now, we don’t know exactly where the fight is going to be at. The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about. So, we don’t know if it’s 100% going to be there,” the 49-year-old boxer said.

     

    “And this is not actually a fight, it’s an exhibition. It’s an exhibition, so we’re both winners. I mean, we just want to go out there and entertain the people and put on a good show,” he added.

    That perspective, however, doesn’t align with the camp of the Filipino legend. Jas Mathur, CEO of MP Promotions, pushed back strongly on Mayweather’s remarks, insisting that Pacquiao has no interest in a mere exhibition.

     

    According to veteran boxing insider Mike Coppinger of The Ring Magazine, Mathur confirmed that both fighters are under contract for an official bout which is directly contradicting Mayweather’s claims.

     

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    The conflicting statements have left fans in limbo, unsure whether the rematch will carry real stakes or simply serve as a spectacle between two icons revisiting their rivalry.

     

    Their first encounter in 2015 remains one of boxing’s most lucrative and talked-about events, with Mayweather preserving his unbeaten record in a tactical victory. 

     

    Since then, both fighters have stepped away from and returned to the sport multiple times, adding another layer of unpredictability to their long-awaited rematch.

     

    Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, officially retired in 2021 after falling to Yordenis Ugas, but has since re-entered the ring, including a draw against Mario Barrios last year. He is also scheduled for an exhibition bout against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18, a potential tune-up before facing Mayweather again.

     

    Meanwhile, Mayweather has not fought professionally since his 2017 crossover bout with Conor McGregor, though he has remained active in exhibition matches worldwide.

     

    Until official details are finalized, the rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao isn’t just a clash of legends—it’s a battle over definition, where the meaning of the fight itself remains undecided.

     

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  • “They will know the difference”: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao eager to forge his own legacy

    “They will know the difference”: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao eager to forge his own legacy

    At just 22 years old, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is rapidly emerging as one of the most intriguing young prospects in the world of boxing—carrying not only the famous Pacquiao name but also the promise of a truly distinct legacy. As the son of eight‑division world champion Manny Pacquiao, Eman could have easily remained in the shadow of his legendary father. Instead, he’s steadily worked to define his own identity both inside and outside the ring.

     

    Though born into a family already synonymous with pugilistic greatness, Eman’s journey has been far from conventional. A native of Tagum City, he moved to Japan at the age of 12 to pursue his education, a decision rooted in his mother Joanna Rose’s heritage—she is half‑Japanese. The five years Eman spent in Japan were formative, not just culturally and academically, but athletically. It was there, immersed in a disciplined environment, that he sharpened his work ethic and deepened his commitment to boxing—laying the foundation for the fighter he is today.

     

    Despite his early affinity for his mother’s surname, Eman ultimately made the conscious choice to adopt the Pacquiao name with his father’s full support—a strategic move aimed at advancing his professional boxing career while still honoring his own personal journey. “I initially wanted to carry my mother’s surname,” Eman shared in a recent interview. “But my father encouraged me to use Pacquiao because of what it represents in the sport. I’m proud of where I come from, but I also want to build something that stands on its own.”

     

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    That individuality is central to Eman’s approach. “They will know the difference,” he said during the press conference for his promotional partner, IAM Worldwide. “Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is Eman Bacosa Pacquiao.” The distinction isn’t just symbolic—it underlines a mindset focused on legacy over lineage.

     

    Since turning professional in July 2021, Eman has shown tangible progress. His debut bout, a fourth‑round stoppage loss to Japan’s Hiromi Tsutsui at Aioi Hall in Kariya, offered an early lesson in the unforgiving nature of professional boxing. But rather than deter him, that defeat became a catalyst. Eman has since compiled an 8‑0‑1 record, demonstrating notable improvements in power, technique, and ring intelligence with each outing.

    “Every fight teaches me something,” he reflected. “If I have a fight coming up, my focus narrows—everything else fades away. When there’s no bout scheduled, I lean into show business, which is my second craft. But boxing—that’s my heart. That’s where I want to see just how far I can go.”

     

    His new contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center marks an exciting expansion of his public persona. Eman is embracing opportunities in entertainment, but he remains clear‑eyed about priorities. “My main work is boxing. That’s my passion,” he said. “Everything else is secondary, but I’m grateful for every chance to grow as an individual and a performer.”

     

    Eman’s time in Japan, where he not only trained but also learned the language and absorbed a culture of discipline, continues to inform his approach. “Japan taught me structure, respect, endurance,” he noted. “Those lessons are in every punch I throw and every hour I spend in the gym.”

     

    Asked about his ultimate goals, Eman didn’t mince words. “I want to be a world champion,” he declared, a dream that resonates deeply but is pursued with humility and gratitude. “I understand what it means to have nothing. I know the value of hard work and perseverance. There are so many who dream of becoming world champions, of making a name for themselves and providing for their families—only a few ever get there. I want to be among those few.”

     

    Yet even as he edges closer to boxing’s higher echelons, Eman insists on appreciating every step of the journey. “It’s close,” he said with a calm confidence. “I can already feel it. But I want to enjoy the moment now—before I’m a champion—because that in itself would be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I want to enjoy the blessings God has given me, every step of the way.”

     

    With a growing fan base, a promising record, and a clear vision for his future, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is no longer just “Manny Pacquiao’s son.” He’s a young athlete forging his own path—driven by passion, grounded in humility, and determined to leave a mark that stands proudly beside, yet distinct from, the legacy that precedes him.

     

     

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  • Rolly Romero accuses Manny Pacquiao of demanding more money during failed fight talks

    Rolly Romero accuses Manny Pacquiao of demanding more money during failed fight talks

    Tension briefly spilled into the spotlight after American boxer Rolando Romero took aim at Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao over a bout that never came to fruition.

     

    Romero stirred controversy on social media, alleging that negotiations for a potential clash with the eight-division world champion collapsed due to repeated demands for higher compensation from Pacquiao. The claim surfaced as the boxing world continues to buzz about Pacquiao’s expected rematch with longtime rival Floyd Mayweather Jr..

     

    “Also completely unrelated and I didn’t want to fight Pacquiao out of respect for legend, nor would I have got my credit, but he kept calling me out then wastes my time because he is so broke he wouldn’t stop asking for more money,” Romero wrote on X.

     

    Romero did not present evidence to support the accusation, but his comments quickly circulated among boxing fans already following developments surrounding Pacquiao’s return to the ring.

     

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    The Filipino icon recently stepped back into the spotlight when he faced former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a bid to reclaim another world title. The closely contested bout ended in a majority draw, leaving Pacquiao still searching for another championship chapter late in his career.

     

    Now 47, Pacquiao is preparing for what could be one of the biggest events in modern boxing — a long-awaited rematch with Mayweather scheduled for September 19, 2026 at Sphere in Las Vegas.

     

    The two first met in the historic 2015 “Fight of the Century,” a bout that generated record-breaking revenue and global attention. More than a decade later, anticipation remains high as fans look forward to another chapter in one of boxing’s most famous rivalries.

     

    Despite the latest off-ring chatter, interest in the Pacquiao-Mayweather sequel continues to grow, with thousands expected to descend on Las Vegas for the blockbuster showdown between two of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

     

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  • “Battle of the Century” returns: Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set for historic rematch in Las Vegas

    “Battle of the Century” returns: Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set for historic rematch in Las Vegas

    Boxing fans have a date to mark on their calendars. Legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to face off in a rematch of the iconic “Battle of the Century,” nearly a decade after their first historic encounter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in 2015.

     

    The welterweight showdown will take place on September 19 (September 20 in the Philippines) at the Sphere in Las Vegas and will be streamed exclusively by Netflix, the streaming giant announced.

     

    “Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas. Saturday, September 19. LIVE globally only on Netflix,” Netflix wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), building excitement among fans worldwide.

     

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    Pacquiao, who returned to professional boxing last year, confirmed the news during a media interaction, emphasizing that this will be a real fight, not an exhibition, and describing the rematch as an opportunity for “redemption.”

     

    “Excited that, may chance tayo to redeem yung pangalan natin, makabawi tayo. We have enough time to prepare, to work hard. Minimum of three and a half months makapag-prepare tayo. I’m so excited to work hard, to train hard. Back to work,” Pacquiao said.

    The 47-year-old Filipino boxing icon also questioned Mayweather’s claim of being the “greatest of all time,” pointing to his own historic achievements as a fighter.

     

    “Ang tanong ko is which part can he claim that he is the greatest? To be the greatest is not based on being defeated and undefeated. At least ako I can claim being an eight-division champion, the hardest accomplishment in boxing, and the only one to win championships in four different decades, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020.

     

    “This is a real fight. Kasama ito sa magiging record namin. Kung panalo ka, panalo ka. Kung talo ka, talo ka. May chance pa tayo ipakita ‘yung kaya natin,” he added.

     

    Beyond personal glory, Pacquiao emphasized the rematch’s broader significance. He hopes the fight will serve as inspiration for young athletes, while also promoting unity and discipline in society.

     

    “Disiplina lang. Importante yan. Magandang inspirasyon na maibigay natin para sa mga young athletes. Pagdating sa bansa natin, magkaisa tayo. Hindi dapat tayo magkahiwalay. Para ito sa ating lahat, kapayapaan, katahimikan. Ilan libong buhay binigay ng ating mga ninuno para magkaroon tayo ng democracy at kapayapaan. Hindi naman tayo naghahanap ng away. We want peace, we want friends,” Pacquiao concluded.

     

    The stakes are high, and history will be in the making. The original “Battle of the Century” in 2015 shattered records, generating $410 million in the U.S. alone and becoming the highest-grossing pay-per-view (PPV) event in boxing history. Mayweather won by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 118-110), cementing his legacy among boxing’s elite.

     

    With nearly a decade between their first bout, fans can expect a thrilling showdown, combining skill, strategy, and the enduring rivalry that has captivated boxing audiences worldwide.

     

     

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