Manny Pacquiao has crafted a legendary boxing career, winning world titles in a record eight divisions and compiling a record of 61-7-2 (39 KOs) in the process. But the most visible senator in the Philippines doesn't want his 18-year-old son, Jimuel, to follow in his footsteps.
A little more than a week ago, Jimuel tried his hand at boxing, which was captured in a video that went viral. It's clear that he has caught the bug.
"We are really discouraging him. In our home we don't have any gloves or boxing equipment," Pacquiao told ABS-CBN News. "But we have a basketball court."
It's clear that Pacquiao, who fought his way out of poverty to international stardom, believes that he has created a life for his son -- and the rest of his four children -- in which such hard sacrifices are not needed.
"I told him I only took up boxing because we were poor. It was a way for me to support my family," said Pacquiao, who began his career in 1995 and most recently fought on Jan. 19, when he defeated Adrien Broner by unanimous decision.
"It pains me to see him box because I know how hard it is," added Pacquiao, 40, who will continue fighting for another year or so.
It's clear that he and his wife, Jinkee, want Jimuel's career to end before it ever begins.
But Pacquiao notes, "He really wants to [box]."
