The boxing world was buzzing on November 29, 2025, as Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., son of global icon Manny Pacquiao Sr., finally stepped into the ring for his highly anticipated professional debut. The venue: Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, packed with fans, former champions, and of course, the Pacquiao family watching anxiously from ringside.
But instead of a storybook victory, the 24-year-old prospect walked away with a majority draw against fellow debutant Brendan Lally, a Chicago-based English teacher who came to fight—and came prepared.
The Fight: A Tougher Night Than Expected
In a four-round lightweight showdown, scorecards were split:
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39–37 for Pacquiao Jr. (Judge #1)
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38–38 (Judge #2)
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38–38 (Judge #3)
The result: majority draw, and a wave of mixed reactions online.
Many fans—and even respected boxing insiders—felt that Lally’s pressure, size advantage, and aggression earned him the edge. Standing an inch taller and fighting with confidence, Lally frequently forced Pacquiao Jr. against the ropes, particularly in the later rounds.
Still, Jimuel had his moments, landing solid uppercuts and overhand rights that brought the crowd to life. The cheers were loudest when his father, “Pacman,” jumped to his feet in support.
Stars in the Building and Pressure in the Air
The arena atmosphere felt almost surreal. Legendary figures like Antonio Margarito, Shawn Porter, and Manny Pacquiao himself were in attendance. Cameras often panned to Jinkee Pacquiao, who appeared emotional and anxious—especially in the final round when her son was backed up by Lally’s constant pressure.
For the younger Pacquiao, the pressure was more than physical. It was generational.
Even before stepping into the ring, he spoke openly about the weight of the Pacquiao name.
“Every time he’s watching, it’s like, whoa, I have to do good,” Jimuel told USA TODAY.
“I can’t show him I’m tired… but I’m also thankful. He’s a legend.”
That pressure hung over him all night, amplified by the fact that just earlier this year, his father also ended his comeback fight with a majority draw. History echoes loud in the Pacquiao family.
Jimuel’s Journey: From Hidden Gloves to Hard Work
Interestingly, Jimuel wasn’t raised to be a boxer. His parents once discouraged it—no gloves, no gym time, no sparring. But curiosity grew into passion. As a teenager, he sparred in secret. Eventually, he confessed his goals to his parents.
He got mixed reactions:
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Manny Pacquiao: nervous but supportive
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Jinkee Pacquiao: concerned but accepting
In 2021, Jimuel moved to the U.S., training at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym, where his father became an eight-division world champion. Coaches like Marvin Somodio and Stanley Godinez describe Jimuel as humble, hardworking, and relentless.
“If you don’t tell him to stop, he won’t stop,” Godinez said.
That work ethic matters—maybe more now than ever.
Fight Analysis: What Went Right and What Went Wrong
What Worked
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Solid counterpunching
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Clean overhand rights
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Composure under pressure
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Flashes of Pacquiao-like explosiveness
What Needs Work
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Handling pressure fighters
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Footwork under fire
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Fighting off the ropes
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Defensive counters when backed up
None of these weaknesses are surprising—and none are irreversible. Every boxing great, even in the U.S. scene, started with rough edges. Debut fights reveal flaws, but they also reveal potential.
Life Outside the Ring: A New Father, A New Chapter
Just weeks before the fight, Jimuel welcomed a baby daughter with wife Carolina. He called the experience “smooth and blessed,” saying it gave him new motivation heading into the ring.
Balancing fatherhood, expectations, and a professional boxing career isn’t easy. But his focus remains:
“We’re taking it fight by fight,” he said.
“We’ll see the progress. We’re going at our own pace.”
And honestly—that’s exactly how the younger Pacquiao needs to move forward.
What This Debut Really Means
A draw isn’t a loss. But it’s also not a dominating arrival. It’s a message:
Jimuel Pacquiao is not his father.
And that’s okay.
He’s a young fighter with heart, a growing skill set, a strong team, and the humility to rebuild. U.S. fans appreciate authenticity—and Jimuel showed plenty of it on fight night.
With time, experience, and the right matchmaking, he can carve his own path.
For now, this debut gives him exactly what every young fighter needs: a reason to grind harder.
The Story Is Just Beginning
Manny Pacquiao Jr.’s majority draw debut wasn’t the explosive arrival many expected—but it was real, gritty, and human. And in boxing, that’s often the spark of a compelling journey.
Whether he becomes a contender or simply a respectable pro is a story still being written. But one thing is certain:
He showed heart.
He showed promise.
And he showed he’s willing to learn.
In boxing, that’s the true first step.