Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. Set for Pro Boxing Return Against Bare-Knuckle Fighter Darrick Gates
Emmanuel "Jimuel" Pacquiao Jr., the 25-year-old son of boxing hall-of-famer Manny Pacquiao, is gearing up for his second professional bout. He will face Darrick Gates, a 36-year-old bare-knuckle boxer, on April 3, 2026, at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. This match marks a significant step in Pacquiao Jr.'s career as he looks to build on his amateur experience and pro debut.
Pacquiao Jr.'s Journey from Amateur to Pro Ranks
After competing in 10 amateur fights, Pacquiao Jr. made his professional debut last year, resulting in a majority draw against Brenadan Lally, an English teacher who was also making his pro boxing debut. With a current record of 0-0-1, Pacquiao Jr. aims to secure his first victory in this upcoming bout. His transition to the pro level has been closely watched, given his famous lineage and potential in the sport.
Darrick Gates: A Versatile but Struggling Opponent
Darrick Gates brings a diverse fighting background to the ring, having participated in bare-knuckle boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and traditional boxing. Primarily known as a pressure fighter in bare-knuckle circles, Gates has a record of 1-6 in that discipline and 0-3 in MMA. His most recent MMA fight ended in a first-round stoppage loss to Kelly Merrick last year. In pro boxing, Gates holds a 0-1 record, with his last bout in 2024 resulting in a first-round technical knockout loss to prospect Jursly Vargas.
Event Highlights and Main Card Action
The MP Promotions event features a stacked card, with International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran headlining. Taduran will defend his title against Mexican challenger Gustavo Perez, adding prestige to the night. This bout provides an exciting backdrop for Pacquiao Jr.'s return, offering fans a mix of rising talent and established champions in the boxing world.
As Pacquiao Jr. steps into the ring, he faces a veteran opponent in Gates, who despite his losing records, presents a unique challenge with his aggressive style. The outcome could shape Pacquiao Jr.'s early career trajectory and set the stage for future matchups in the competitive boxing landscape.
