The son of Manny Pacquiao made his professional debut on Saturday night, thirty years on from the Filipino great’s first appearance inside a ring.
Emmanuel ‘Jimuel’ Pacquiao Jr locked horns with high-school teacher Brendan Lally in a four round lightweight contest at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.
Whilst there had been a degree of excitement leading up to Pacquiao Jr’s debut, the fight itself failed to live up to expectations after it was declared a split decision draw following a competitive four rounds.
It is set to be a long and hard road ahead for ‘Jimuel’ if he has any chance of even coming close to the achievements of his father, who has captured world titles in eight weight classes during his own professional career.
Chicago-native Lally made his own professional debut against Pacquiao on Saturday night, revealing to the media shortly after the conclusion of his first ring appearance that his rival ‘hit him hard’.
“Yeah he hits hard guys, come on. He hits hard.”
‘Jimuel’ is expected to make his return to the ring next year, as he sets his sights on righting the wrongs of the events that unfolded during his debut.
The 24-year-old is also likely to continue his partnership with the Wildcard Boxing Gym coaches Marvin Somodio and Freddie Roach, who have both played key roles in the career of his father.
As for Manny himself, he looks set to return to action at the start of 2026, with WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero looking his likely opponent.
