TEMECULA, Calif. — The next generation of the Pacquiao fighting legacy officially stepped into the professional ranks on Saturday night and walked away both undefeated and winless.
Jimuel Pacquiao, the 24-year-old son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, debuted in a four-round lightweight bout at Pechanga Resort Casino, battling Brendan Lally to a majority draw on Nov. 29. Scores read 39–37 Pacquiao on one card, while the other two judges saw it 38–38, resulting in a split outcome. For Jimuel, who had just ten amateur fights before turning pro, the performance was a learning experience more than a setback.
“Next time I fight, I’m going to push the pace much harder,” Pacquiao said. “I’m happy I was able to experience this. Fighting as an amateur is a different experience than fighting professionally. This was a huge step up.”
A Challenging Camp Outside the Ring
Pacquiao entered the fight following a major life milestone: the birth of his daughter less than two weeks earlier. He admitted the whirlwind schedule made his preparation more difficult and that he could have trained harder.
Despite that, he showed flashes of talent, composure, and Pacquiao-style aggression, though he struggled at times with rhythm and consistency against a game Lally.
A Proud Father Watching Closely
Manny Pacquiao the eight-division champion, senator, and global icon watched from ringside as his eldest son took his first steps into the professional world he once dominated.
Afterward, the Hall of Famer expressed pride and offered guidance rooted in experience.
“I’m very proud of my son,” Manny said. “I always told Jimuel fighting is not easy and that you need to work hard. “My plan is to have him fight on my undercard so I can train with him throughout the whole camp.”
The idea of sharing a fight card father and son could become reality in 2026 as Manny continues to plan his own in-ring return under Manny Pacquiao Promotions.
What’s Next for Jimuel Pacquiao?
The debut draw gives the young Pacquiao a foundation to build on, and his team views it as a starting point, not a setback.
Expect gradual steps:
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Increased activity in 2026
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Training camps alongside Manny
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Continued development under professional-level pressure
For now, the boxing world has gotten its first look at the second generation of the Pacquiao fighting family and the journey is just beginning.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
