By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jimuel Pacquiao takes the first big stride in his desire to follow the footsteps of his father – Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao – when he makes his professional boxing debut against Brendan Lally of USA at the Pechanga Resort Casino, Sunday, Nov. 30 ( Manila time).
Both Pacquiao and Lally made the 135-pound lightweight limit with the former tipping the scales at 134.8lbs and the latter at 134.2lbs.
Although surely sharing some semblance physically to that of the older Pacquiao, Jimuel is slightly taller than his father at 5-foot-7 and will be fighting in orthodox stance as opposed to the signature southpaw of the only eight-division world champion.
Aware that eyes are on him, the younger Pacquiao hopes to step out of the giant shadows of his father and make his own name in the sport.
“I am my own person and I really love boxing. I love the spot. I am trying to prove something to myself and trying to see how far I can go,” said Jimuel, who has recently become a father to his own child.
“I trust my team and they said I am ready so we are doing this. I work on a lot of pros in the gym and the wild card is full of good fighters so I am more than ready,” he added.
As an amateur, Pacquiao is sporting a 6-4 record, though it wasn’t too far from Lally’s own 5-4 slate.
Lally, for his part, knew how much attention the fight was getting and he vowed to make the most of it.
“I’m here to shock the world. I hardly know the guy. Of course, you see the highlights online but nobody knows anybody until they get in the ring with them,” said Lally.
“It’s just the perfect opportunity to do the coolest thing in the coolest stage that you can so I think any fighter will take the chance and that’s what I’m here to do, taking my shot,” he added.
