Pressure is privilege: Eman Bacosa on being worthy of the Pacquiao name

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6 Pacquiao values that define Eman, and how they can inspire you to succeed

MANILA, Philippines — I initially wanted to interview Eman Bacosa Pacquiao to find out how he and his legendary father, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, are different. I was intent on seeing how I could differentiate him, on how I could frame him not as his father, but as his own man, someone breaking away from the shadow of a legend.

But as the interview progressed, I discovered something different.

The Eman Bacosa story exploded after he won on the biggest stage of his boxing career at the Araneta Coliseum, during a Blow-by-Blow boxing Promotions event promoted by his father — which I personally witnessed ringside. That fight garnered Bacosa mainstream Philippine media attention, a rare occurrence in local boxing.

He was later featured on a popular documentary by Jessica Soho, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to today, Eman is no longer just a promising young fighter; he is now a legitimate boxing prospect, a signed artist under GMA Sparkle, with multiple endorsements.

But it wasn’t always like this.

Before the lights, the gloves, the expectations, and the comparisons, he was just Eman, a regular boy. However, stepping into the ring changed all that. He entered a territory deeply rooted in his father’s legacy. That journey didn’t just test his courage; it forced him to confront a truth he could no longer avoid.

As the wins piled up and people began to take notice, comparisons with the legendary eight-division champion became inevitable. He wasn’t just another young boxer anymore. He was a Pacquiao. Embracing that reality became both his greatest challenge and his greatest privilege.

A big name comes with responsibility, not ego

I sat down with Eman late one night after a grueling match and a victory in Bohol last week. Even then, I could already see the same energy and passion I’ve seen before in his father.

I asked him about his transition from being just Eman Bacosa to Eman Bacosa Pacquiao.

“Before, I was only Eman Bacosa. Now, I want people to know I am Pacquiao.”

With both confidence and humility, Eman shared how he discovered his courage and passion for boxing while fully accepting that he is no longer just another boxer. He is a Pacquiao.

In that moment, I realized that legacy isn’t something you run from. It’s something you grow into, and Eman was ready for it.

How Eman Bacosa honors the Pacquiao legacy

1. Courage

The Pacquiao name is synonymous with courage and boxing. Eman understands the pressure and expectations that come with it, and he has learned to embrace them. He showcases fearlessness inside the ring and has wholeheartedly accepted the challenge of carrying the Pacquiao name.

“It helps, but it also gives pressure because of the big expectations of the people. I am working hard to give that to them. Whenever I’m inside the ring, people remember my father, remember when he was still boxing in his prime.”

Having witnessed him ringside, I can attest to that Pacquiao-like courage. It’s one of the reasons he’s considered one of the biggest boxing prospects today. 

When asked if he feels he has something to prove, he said: “I want to prove that whether you’re a Pacquiao or not, you can achieve your dreams in life. As long as you have God, nothing is impossible. That’s my message to aspiring boxers, don’t ever surrender.”

That acceptance goes beyond legacy. It shows Pacquiao courage both inside and beyond the ring.

2. Champion’s discipline

Being a Pacquiao is one thing. Being a boxer who carries the Pacquiao name brings another level of pressure and responsibility. Each punch and round come with heightened expectations, and Eman understands this after multiple fights under his belt.

He recalls one of the biggest lessons he learned from his father: “In boxing, you need discipline and self-control. Without it, you will not achieve your dreams, and your fights will be harder.”

At this time of writing, Eman holds a record of 8-1-1, with 5 knockouts. Even as he juggles multiple responsibilities, he knows that hard work, discipline and perseverance are non-negotiable if he wants to reach his goals.

3. God-first mindset

As a Manny Pacquiao fan myself, I can’t recall any of his fights without faith playing a central role. Watching Eman in his bouts, spending time with him, and interviewing him, it’s clear he shares that same God-first mindset.

“I want to show people that my mother raised me well. Even though we were poor, she raised me to be God-fearing.”

Like his father, Eman’s faith grounds him. No matter how much we try to attribute their success to skill and strength alone, they always return the glory to God, a trait that resonates deeply with Filipinos and explains why he, like his father, is well loved.

4. Being family-oriented

With his supportive mother Joanna, his siblings, and extended family present during his fights, it’s clear Eman draws strength from his family. While thankful for his father’s support, he is equally proud to be his mother’s son, often defending her and clearing her name when accusations arise.

Fearless inside the ring, Eman is still very much a mama’s boy outside it. I remember being with them at an after-party, witnessing the unmistakable bond between mother and son.

His mother once told me: “Pow, you see Eman inside the ring, very manly and fearless, but outside, he’s still like a baby.”

That bond fuels him. Just like his father, Eman draws inspiration from his family to push himself towards greatness.

5. Perseverance: From modest roots to the spotlight

Contrary to popular belief, Eman wasn’t born with a silver spoon. Despite having Pacquiao blood, the Pacquiao name wasn’t his to begin with. He lived an ordinary life.

“People don’t know that I got to this situation because of God and the guidance of my family. We were not rich, I was just like everyone else,” he said.

Destiny eventually led him to boxing, much like his father.

“The bigger the name, the bigger the sacrifice. Because of the expectations, your effort has to be doubled. If others work hard, as a Pacquiao, I have to work harder,” added Eman.

The pressure is real, but pressure, in this case, is a privilege. The Pacquiao name may open doors, but without work, it means nothing.

6. Multi-talented, multi-tasking

Throughout Manny Pacquiao’s career, he was criticized for doing many things at once — acting, singing, business, basketball, politics — while being a world champion boxer. Unheard of, and often advised against. Yet he thrived.

Eman seems to be following a similar path. While his journey is different, the concept feels familiar. Today, he is a signed artist under GMA Sparkle, with multiple endorsements and commercials. With already over two million combined social media followers, he is also a social media star, frequently collaborating with actress Jillian Ward.

Eman hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Jillian, and fans both in boxing and showbiz are thrilled to see them together. Some even wonder if this could be the second coming of AlDub.

The situation seems ill-advised, Eman seems to be determined that he can do both. When asked if a famous celebrity actor can also be a world boxing champion, without hesitation, he replied “Yes.”

Are Eman and Manny the same?

They share the same blood, the same first name, and similar paths. Some say they look alike. Others say the values are the same. Yet Eman is clear about one thing:

“Daddy is Daddy. Manny is Manny. And Eman is Eman. I’m trying to make a name for myself, to make him proud, and of course my mother. I want to prove that whether you’re rich or poor, Pacquiao or not, you can achieve your dreams as long as you have God with you,” he said.

He admits he’s like his father, but insists on his own journey. That nuance is powerful.

“I am not Eman Pacquiao. I am Eman Bacosa Pacquiao.”

As I conclude this piece, I realize that while many children of public figures try to escape their father’s shadow, Eman is different. He doesn’t run from the name, he embraces it. The pressure became fuel, not a burden.

He carries the Pacquiao name with responsibility, not ego. And even in the early stages of his career, he has already begun carving his own version of what it means to be a Pacquiao.

Eman Bacosa Pacquiao isn’t running from the Pacquiao name — he’s earning the right to carry it.

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About the author: Pow Salud is the founder of Powcast Sports. He is a respected sports analyst, commentator and podcaster who blends sharp analysis with authentic storytelling. Driven by truth and purpose, he uses sports and social media as a platform to inspire, uplift, and remind people that no matter the odds, giving up is never an option.