Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has expressed his contentment with his son Jimuel's performance in his inaugural professional fight. The bout took place on Sunday, November 20, 2025 (Philippine Time) at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.
A Debut That Ended in a Draw
The highly anticipated four-round lightweight contest between Jimuel Pacquiao and American opponent Brendan Lally concluded without a decisive winner. The official result was a majority draw, marking a challenging but educational start to the younger Pacquiao's career in the paid ranks.
Pacquiao's Candid Assessment
While satisfied, the eight-division world champion admitted he had hoped for a sharper showing from his son. He provided context, noting that Jimuel's experience in the amateur ranks was not extensive. This lack of a deep amateur background is a significant factor as he transitions to the professional level, where the style and demands are markedly different.
"The Pambansang Kamao" (The National Fist) emphasized that he had previously warned Jimuel about the rigors of a pro boxer's life. "It's not an easy path," Pacquiao reiterated, highlighting the physical and mental toll the sport takes.
Lessons for the Future
Looking beyond the result, Manny Pacquiao believes the fight served as a crucial learning experience. He is confident that Jimuel absorbed valuable lessons from sharing the ring with Lally. These takeaways, according to the proud father and coach, will be instrumental as Jimuel faces future challenges in his budding boxing journey.
The emotional weight of the moment was not lost on the legend. Pacquiao confessed that watching his son compete professionally was an indescribable feeling, a mix of paternal concern and the thrill of seeing the next generation step into the spotlight.
As Jimuel Pacquiao moves forward from his debut, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how he applies the lessons from this drawn battle to shape his future in the sport his father dominated for decades.
