Dato was born in Bangar, La Union, Philippines migrated to when he was seven years of age.
He attended Pioneer Valley High in Santa Maria, California. During his high school days, he stayed active as an all-around athlete as a wrestler, track and field player, and footballer. He pursued his career in boxing after graduating high school when he was 17-years old and now holds a professional record of 19 - 1, (12 KOs).
He runs the JLD Boxing Academy in Santa Maria and San Luis Obisp works as head coach and a personal trainer.