Jimuel Pacquiao to push harder next time as pro debut ends in draw

MANILA, Philippines – Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., the eldest son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, vowed to “do better” after he settled for a majority draw with Brendan Lally in his first pro fight on Saturday, November 29 (Sunday, November 30, Manila time) at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

The scores were 38-38, 38-38, and 39-37 in Pacquiao’s favor in the four-round lightweight tussle, one of the featured bouts in the inaugural United States presentation of Manny Pacquiao Promotions.

The older Pacquiao, boxing’s lone eight-division world champion, was at ringside with his wife Jinkee to watch Jimuel, whose partner Carolina gave birth to daughter Clara last week, pursue his passion.

“It was tough, ’cause my baby now is a week old and it was hard leaving them right away. It was hard. No excuses. I could have done better and I will do better next time,” Jimuel told Fight Hub TV.

The taller Lally, also making his pro debut, was the aggressor and busier fighter, but Jimuel was more accurate with his punches, sneaking in overhand rights and uppercuts whenever the Chicagoan bore in.

As an amateur, the 24-year-old Jimuel compiled a 6-4 record, a little better than Lally’s 5-4 card.

“Could have done better. For the next time, I’m definitely pushing it more. Now that I experienced it, it’s different from the amateurs. I only have like 10 fights in the amateurs and it’s a big step. Next time, I’m definitely pushing it harder,” said Jimuel. – Rappler.com