Jimuel Pacquiao has finally stepped into the paid ranks in California, carrying all the weight that comes with being the oldest son of Manny Pacquiao. And it wasn’t some quiet backroom affair either. ESPN Knockout streamed the four-round lightweight fight, throwing the kid right into the noise against Brendan Lally, a high school teacher making his own debut. Odd pairing, sure, but that’s exactly why no one looked away. Two newcomers, two crazy backgrounds, one debut on television. Proper curiosity fuel.
Manny himself stood ringside before the opening bell, whispering whatever father-to-fighter wisdom he could. However, when the bell rang, Jimuel was on his own. No slow start. No test series. Both guys just tore into each other immediately. Sloppy, chaotic, entertaining. The second was the same pace, and although Pacquiao looked a touch sharper with the punches, Lally remained stubborn and refused to back down. It was not easy to determine who was forwarding things.
Who actually looked like the better prospect?
The third round swung to Lally. He chased Jimuel around, firing away and landing plenty, although the young Pacquiao also landed his own shots at home. The fourth saw both emptying the tank. Lally marched forward again, while Jimuel tried to hold back the ropes. Tough fight to call, and the judges diplomatically bottled it: a draw.
After the final bell, Manny Pacquiao told ESPN: “I’m very proud of my son … fighting is not easy … my plan is to have him fight on my undercard so I can train with him throughout the camp.”
He added: “It’s not the ideal outcome … but I know he can do better and he will do better.”
Jimuel kept it honest:
“Next time I fight, I’m going to push the pace a lot harder… Fighting as an amateur is a different experience… I’ve only had ten amateur fights, so this was a big step up.”
On the sold-out debut:
“It made me nervous … During my ring walk, I could only think about how many people were here … I’m going to be more prepared next time.”
Lally hummed from his side:
“It was the opportunity of a lifetime … I got a draw against Pacquiao.”
He added: “The top cut in the second clipped me and I went ‘woah’. Other than that I felt great.”
What does this draw really mean for Pacquiao?
Jimuel wasn’t terrible, but he didn’t scream “future superstar” either. And that’s good. He is green. Only ten amateur fights. Thrown in quickly. He stiffened as the crowd began to roar, and you could tell he was thinking too much. Happens to a lot of kids without famous dads, never mind one with Manny flipping Pacquiao in the front row.
Lally? Tough teacher. Not the kind of guy you want marking your homework after you’ve just clipped him with a counter. He earned the draw. Honestly, Jimuel should thank him for the learning experience.
If Jimuel is going to continue, he needs controlled aggression, more composure and a lot more rounds. The tools are there. But being Manny’s boy means everyone is watching, judging and waiting for him to slip. He will need thicker skin than most.
Results:
- Lazaro Lorenzana Def. Luis Arias (ud, 100-90, 99-91, 98-92) – WBC Regional Middleweight Championship
- Jimuel Pacquiao vs Brendan Lally (Majority Draw, 39-37 Pacquiao, 38-38, 38-38)
- Terry Washington def. Ricardo Astuvilca (UD) – WBC USA Light Flyweight Championship
- Jose Russell def. Saleto Henderson (TKO Round 6)
- Michael Bracamontes def. William King (UD)
- Rodrigo Mosquera III def. Bryan Domingo (UD, 4 rounds)
- Sheldon Payne def. Adil Gadzhiev (Majority decision, 4 rounds)
- Javier Zamarron def. Alejandro Meniano (UD, 8 rounds)
- Alexis Alvardo def. Ciren Diagan (UD)
Last updated on 30/11/2025
