By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jimuel Pacquiao showed semblance of his boxing pedigree but still looked raw as he settled for a majority draw in his four-round lightweight debut against American Brendan Lally at the Pechanga Resort Casino, Sunday, Nov. 30 (Philippine time).
The 24-year-old son of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao struggled against the pressure and the size of the bigger and longer opponent but did just enough to convince the judges to call the bout even.
One judge scored the fight 39-37 in favor of Jimuel while the other two juries had it 38-38 in the bout that was also attended by his parents.
Both Jimuel and Lally thus began their professional debuts with similar 0-0-1 records.
The younger Pacquiao had a slow start, with Lally pressing the action and pinning the Filipino against the ropes several times while landing body shots.
The second-generation boxer, though, found his rhythm in the second round, creating some distance and unleashing quick combinations.
An overhand right followed by an uppercut connected for Jimuel, but Lally appeared unfazed.
The rugged Lally continued to apply pressure, leaving the younger Pacquiao struggling to find angles as the fight wore on.
