Coach Marvin Somodio: Full of Life and Punch at 42
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 28 Nov 2025
Los Angeles — In a blood sport full of voices, Marvin Somodio has always been the quiet one. At 42, he remains one of the most respected young trainers at the Wild Card Boxing Club, and the man now guiding Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao, Jr. into his professional debut.
He marked his birthday with a line only he could pull off:
“Life is too short. I am too short. Therefore, I am life.”
It was funny. It was humble.
And it was pure Marvin.
A Disciple of Freddie Roach
Coach Marvin came to Los Angeles in 2012 through Manny Pacquiao’s support and learned the trade the old-school way — by standing beside Freddie Roach every day.
He studied Freddie’s sense of balance. He absorbed how Freddie corrected angles. He learned how Freddie made footwork the soul of the gym.
Marvin turned those lessons into his own style — calm, detailed, and steady. He has carried them into corners across the world, working with Many Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Ruslan Provodnikov, many promising fighters and now including Jimuel Pacquiao.
“Most of what I know, I learned from Freddie. He is my teacher.”
From the Mountains of Baguio
Marvin comes from Baguio, the mountain city where my father also grew up. The Ilocano traits are unmistakable: quiet strength, humility, and hard work without complaint.
As someone who is half Ilocano, I recognize the rhythm instantly — the steady balance, the respect for the craft, the patience that shows up in his voice and in the fighters he builds.
A Life Built at Wild Card
Los Angeles became the place where Marvin refined his craft and earned the respect of fighters of every style. Inside Wild Card’s demanding atmosphere, he became known not only for his skills, but for being… a good family man…humble to the core…and a friend to anyone who enters the gym.
No drama. No ego. Just great work ethic.
THEIR BIGGEST NIGHT
On November 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino, Marvin enters the biggest night — for both fighter and coach.
Jimuel Pacquiao makes his professional debut against Brendan Lally, and Marvin leads the corner as chief trainer.
For Jimuel, it’s the beginning.
For Marvin, it’s a full-circle chapter — the first time a Pacquiao enters a pro ring under his main direction.
He didn’t just hold mitts for this camp.
He built the foundation: balance in the mind, footwork under pressure, hard work woven into every round.
He may joke about being short. But the way he carries himself, the way he treats people, and the way he builds fighters from the ground up — that is the true measure.
And by that standard, Marvin Somodio doesn’t just stand tall.
He lifts everyone around him.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Isabela Chess University Wins Region 2 Chess League Title
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 24 Dec 2025Cristobal stops Beltran in the 6th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 23 Dec 2025VENUE/DATE CHANGE: Shinard Bunch Takes on John Paul Magalong on THURSDAY, JANUARY 15TH AT THE WAR MEMORIAL IN TRENTON
Tue, 23 Dec 2025Raquinel suffers 2nd setback in SA
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 23 Dec 2025Oakland Municipal Auditorium: Sacred Hall Where Filipino Boxing World Champions Were Crowned
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 23 Dec 2025IBA confirms Men’s World Boxing Championships results
Tue, 23 Dec 2025Jordan Launches Pro Boxing Scene Appointing Amer Abdallah as Advisor
Tue, 23 Dec 2025Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
Sun, 21 Dec 2025Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 21 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025