The Dan Patrick Show – Episode #119: Jimuel Pacquiao Jr & NFL Week 13 Preview

Date: November 26, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Main Guests: Jimuel Pacquiao Jr
Segment Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Jimuel Pacquiao Jr., son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, as he prepares for his professional boxing debut. The show explores the unique challenges of growing up in a world-renowned sporting family, Jimuel’s path into boxing, and his aspirations. Covino and Rich, filling in for Dan Patrick, also preview NFL Week 13, giving their picks and lively commentary mixed with humor and personal anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jimuel Pacquiao Jr.: The Next Pacquiao?

(Starts: 04:39)

• Pressure and Legacy:

  • Jimuel discusses the added pressure of debuting with the Pacquiao name.

    “I just try to tune that stuff out as much as I can… we’re just doing our pace and yeah, we’re excited.” (05:23 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

  • He shares that his parents initially discouraged him from boxing, encouraging school instead, but now fully support his dream.

    “At first my parents really tried to get me away from boxing but I still ended up boxing… now they support me fully.” (05:43 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• Family Dynamics & Support:

  • Manny Pacquiao offers calm mentorship, while his mother is much more anxious during his fights.

    “My dad’s actually on the calmer side… it’s just my mom all the time who’s really concerned.” (07:10 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

  • Most discipline growing up came from Jimuel’s mom.

• Training with Legends:

  • Jimuel works daily with legendary trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym, whom he considers a major asset.

    “I see coach Freddie here every day… respect to him and yeah, I’m happy to be here.” (08:39 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• Life Outside the Ring:

  • Recently became a father and discusses balancing newborn care with fight preparation.

    “Right now it’s mostly my wife… I’m very lucky to have her and her family helping us out.” (09:05 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

  • His parents are thrilled to be new grandparents, though Manny's preferred “grandpa name” (likely “Lolo”) hasn’t yet been settled.

• Boxing Philosophy:

  • He avoids trash talking, taking after Manny Pacquiao's humble approach.

    “I model myself towards my dad… he lets his fists do the talking so I try to be the same way.” (11:12 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• Thoughts on Boxing’s Future and Crossover Fights:

  • Admits to enjoying “spectacle” fights, such as Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, but picks Joshua with “zero” chance for Paul.

    “Not zero. Zero. AJ all the way for sure.” (11:45 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• Manny Pacquiao’s Legacy & Future:

  • Jimuel expresses concern about his father fighting again, emphasizing that Manny “has done everything” in boxing.

    “He’s turning 47 this December… I don’t really want him to take any more punishment… his eight-division record is unbreakable.” (13:23 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

  • Still, he’s supportive if his dad decides to do “one more fight.”

• Debut Preparation & Goals:

  • Focused on a strong win for his pro debut—KO if it comes, but “just a dub.”

    “If the knockout comes, it comes, but yeah, we’re gonna get the win for sure.” (16:38 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

  • Long-term, he is taking his career “fight by fight” but aspires to championship status.

    “We like to take it fight by fight, so we’ll see in the future.” (15:03 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

  • He’s still determining his ideal weight class, which he considers a crucial step for professional growth.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • On coping with nerves as a child watching Manny fight:

    “As we got closer, it’s definitely nerve wracking especially on the day of the fight, you know, the nerves are there.” (12:55 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

2. NFL Week 13 Preview & Thanksgiving Picks

(Starts: 20:16)

• Packers vs. Lions:

  • Covino predicts the Packers break Detroit’s recent Thanksgiving win streak, betting Green Bay moneyline.

    “Sorry Lions—back to losing on Turkey Day… I’m going Packers moneyline, lock that one.” (20:20 – Steve Covino)

• Cowboys vs. Chiefs:

  • While impressed by the Cowboys’ improvement, Covino favors the Chiefs by a field goal as part of his Thanksgiving betting picks.

    “I like the Chiefs winning by a field goal… Chiefs win, they beat the Cowboys.” (21:05 – Steve Covino)

• Ravens & Bengals:

  • Advocates a teaser bet: Bengals from -7 to -1, predicting continued dominance and a 7-5 record.

    “I like the Bengals taking that from minus seven to minus one, so the Bengals continue to dominate...” (21:30 – Steve Covino)

• Eagles vs. Bears:

  • Suggests a teaser bet for Bears at +12.5; expects a close game even if Eagles win.

    “Even if the Eagles beat the Bears, I don’t think it’s by more than ten points… Bears plus twelve and a half.” (21:45 – Steve Covino)

3. Thanksgiving Traditions & Humor

(Starts: 22:49)

• Covino & Rich’s “Rules” for Thanksgiving:

  • Always try every dessert at the table, out of courtesy.

    “You have to try a little sliver, a little piece of everyone’s cake or pie or dessert…” (22:58 – Steve Covino)

  • Don’t starve yourself before the meal—pace yourself to avoid feeling unwell.

    “People always make that mistake... don’t be like ‘I’m going to save it for Thanksgiving dinner.’” (23:13 – Steve Covino)

• Festive Banter:

  • Playful mentions of “turkey ass” being the best part, and joking about Rich as a Macy’s Parade balloon.
  • Good-humored encouragement for listeners to enjoy the holiday weekend and check out the Thanksgiving parade.

Notable Quotes

• On Family Pressure:

  “At first my parents really tried to get me away from boxing but I still ended up boxing... now they support me fully.” (05:43 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• On Fight Philosophy:

  “I model myself towards my dad… he lets his fists do the talking, so I try to be the same way.” (11:12 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• On Manny Fighting Again:

  “He’s turning 47 this December... I don’t really want him to take any more punishment.” (13:23 – Jimuel Pacquiao)

• On Thanksgiving:

  “Always try everyone’s dessert… you don’t want some guy having to go home with his wife or girlfriend, she’s like, ‘no one tried my dessert!’” (22:58 – Steve Covino)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. Interview Start: 04:39
• Family Encouragement and Pressure: 05:23
• Training with Freddy Roach: 08:39
• Balancing Boxing and Fatherhood: 09:05
• Boxing Philosophy and Trash Talk: 11:12
• Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: 11:34
• Thoughts on Manny Fighting Again: 13:18
• Preparation for Pro Debut: 14:29
• Dream Fights and Weight Class Discussion: 15:34
• NFL Week 13 Picks Begin: 20:16
• Thanksgiving Traditions: 22:49

Summary & Takeaway

This episode offers a candid and entertaining look at the pressures and joys of being born into athletic legend, as Jimuel Pacquiao shares how he’s forging his own path in the boxing world. Listeners get behind-the-scenes insight into the Pacquiao family, the pressures of living up to a colossal name, and the reality of stepping into the ring with the world watching. The episode closes with lighthearted holiday banter and accessible NFL betting picks, making it appealing whether you’re a sports fanatic or looking for Thanksgiving laughs.

Tune in for: An engaging mix of sports analysis, boxing heritage, and festive humor—an ideal companion for the holiday sports rush!