DON’T look now but boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s son, Emmanuel Jimuel Jr., has shown seriousness to follow his legendary dad’s footsteps and, perhaps eventually, winning ways.
The 21-year-old Jimuel is now 6-2 won-lost in his budding amateur career after he beat American Dylan Merriken via unanimous decision in a three-round junior welterweight bout at the Quiet Conference and Event Centre in Montebello, California, on Friday.
The young Pacquiao, who fought and won with his mom Jinkee and sisters Mary Divine Grace and Queen Elizabeth in attendance, gave his 18-year-old rival some power-packed punches in all three rounds sending him to his first loss in two bouts.
“He’s improving overall. He’s a power puncher left and right,” Jimuel’s trainer Marvin Somodio told BusinessMirror via Internet call. “He is becoming to be a more tactical fighter than before and his defense is also good.”
Somodio revealed that Jimuel Pacquiao is focused at becoming a professional fighter just like his father.
“It’s not advisable to put Jimuel in amateur training or fight the best amateurs because his true focus is becoming a complete professional boxer someday,” said Somodio, adding that Jimuel’s next fight could be in September.
Jimuel has been training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for more than a year.
MP Promotions President and International matchmaker Sean Gibbons and former world champion Mark Magsayo also watched the fight.