Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for a proud moment on November 29, when his son Emmanuel ‘Jimuel’ Pacquiao Jr. steps into the ring for his long-awaited professional debut. The 24-year-old will face fellow debutant Brendan Lally at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. But before that milestone arrives, the Pacquiao household has already been blessed with some joyful news.

Boxing’s only eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, has officially become a grandfather for the first time. Jimuel Pacquiao Jr., Manny’s eldest son, welcomed his first child with his partner, Carolina, just days before his boxing debut. Back in October, Jimuel had revealed that the couple was expecting the birth of their first child, and mere three days ago, the newest member of the Pacquiao family arrived.

Manny Pacquiao has another champion in his hands

GMA News, a Philippines-based media outlet, shared the update on Facebook along with several photos of the couple and Manny Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee Pacquiao. Jinkee was the first to break the news on Instagram, posting the pictures with the caption, “Lord, thank you!” She later shared more photos while shopping for baby clothes for her grandchild, writing, “Happiness is buying baby clothes.”

In her next post, she even revealed the name of her granddaughter, again using the caption, “Hello, Universe! My name is Clara.” Manny Pacquiao has yet to comment publicly on becoming a grandfather for the first time, and Jimuel has remained silent as well. The boxing legend has recently been in discussions about another fight following his comeback against Mario Barrios earlier this year. 

If Pacquiao returns to the ring, he will join a very short list of active boxers who were also grandfathers. Meanwhile, Carolina Pimentel—Jimuel’s partner and a private, non-showbiz Mexican-American—has captured his heart. Raised in the U.S. with strong roots in Los Angeles’ Mexican-American community, she has been warmly embraced by the Pacquiao family.

Though low-profile, she regularly appears at family gatherings and is widely believed to be Jimuel’s future wife. Meanwhile, Jimuel has been training at the Wild Card Boxing Club for his debut under Marvin Somodio, Manny’s longtime assistant. Following the news of Jimuel’s daughter, fans flocked to social media to congratulate the Pacquiao family.

Fans welcome baby Pacquiao

The fans quickly started celebrating the joyous moment. One user sent their best wishes, writing, “Congratulations! What a beautiful blessing. God Bless you [Jimuel Pacquiao Jr.] and your family as well.” Just over 24 years ago, it was Jimuel’s own birth that fans were celebrating.

Meanwhile, this user’s wishes were directed towards Manny Pacquiao. “Congrats, wow, it’s a nice early gift from god, and God bless you both with grandpa’s and grandma’s, enjoy your nice baby girl,” the user commented. Pacquiao has four other children, so many more blessings are yet to come. 

Another user was celebrating what the baby’s birth meant. “Just imagine Manny winning another Championship belt! A grandfather, world boxing champion of the world, damn,” the user wrote. Manny Pacquiao would join the likes of Archie Moore if he fights again as a grandfather.

The next user had a message for the baby. “Welcome to the world, Baby Pacquiao,” the user wrote. Clara’s birth mere days before her father’s boxing debut makes it even more special. 

Someone else also congratulated the family. “Congratulations to the whole family! A bundle of joy, having a gift from God,” the user commented. The baby inherits the family’s legacy in boxing.

That being said, the public seems genuinely happy about Jimuel Pacquiao’s entry into fatherhood. But can he immortalize the moment by winning his debut fight?