Eman’s Next Fight
Born into one of Philippine sports’ most celebrated bloodlines, the rising Filipino boxer is learning to balance the demands of the ring with life in the spotlight
A physical chess match
While many young fighters rely on raw aggression and brute bout like a chess match, where patience matters as much as power.
“It is very important because, first of all, you have to read or anticipate the opponent’s movement before you attack,” Eman says, describing his disciplined approach inside the ring.
“It is just like chess. You do not just make a reckless move because one wrong move can change everything.”
That mindset wasn’t always second nature. Looking back on his professional debut, Eman admits he fought with the anxious energy of a newcomer, throwing punches without the timing and composure the sport demands.
Through countless hours in the gym and constant training, he has learned to trust patience over urgency. Together with his team, he studies every weakness in his game, knowing today’s opponents scrutinize every second of fight footage.
“I think I need to study my fighting style more. I should also study my own weaknesses so that I do not get hit as often and my opponents cannot easily read my style.”
If his defense is still evolving, his offense already mirrors the fighters he admires most. He combines the explosive power of his father, Manny Pacquiao, with the blistering speed of Japanese multi-division champion Naoya Inoue, shaping a style that is distinctly his own.
Out of the ring and into the spotlight
But his play is not confined to the four pillars of the ring. The young athlete has started dabbling in entertainment, stepping into acting and brand campaigns alongside his life as a professional boxer. It is a transition that requires a completely different mindset.
“It is very different because in boxing, you only have to fight,” Eman explains. “In acting, you need to be deeply aware of your actions.”
The biggest surprise wasn’t memorizing lines. It was learning to be emotionally vulnerable. Portraying a character meant shedding the stoicism that boxing demands and embracing personalities far removed from his own.
“The most unexpected part is the total change of personality. It is difficult sometimes because it is not my natural personality and I am acting out things I do not normally do in real life,” he said.
A legacy on his own terms
To keep both careers on track, Eman relies on discipline as much outside the ring as inside it. Training stays in the gym, acting stays on set, and neither is allowed to distract from the other. Rather than competing with boxing, he sees entertainment as another way to grow.
Even as new opportunities emerge, his ambitions remain firmly rooted in the sport. Every fight is another step toward building a legacy on his own terms.
“Right now, just watch my journey. It is very exciting”
“I cannot predict my future, but I know one thing: it will be a very exciting ride. I hope everyone joins me. Pray for the best of luck so that I will be more than a champion someday.”
Photography Lyndon Ascuncion
Art direction Summer Untalan
FashionFashionThe art and industry of designing, producing, and styling clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty trends. It reflects cultural influences, personal expression, and evolving styles across seasons and markets.Go to Fashion Glossary Corven Uy
Grooming Dexter Gonzalgo
Production Francis Vicente
Special thanks Caiel Pajarillo, Maittel Velasco, Ysabel Solon, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center
