Jimuel Pacquiao Claims First Pro KO Win in Lightweight Bout

Temecula, California - Jimuel Pacquiao secured his first professional knockout victory on Saturday night, stopping Darrick Gates in the second round of their lightweight bout at Pechanga Resort Casino. The 25-year-old son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao improved to 1-0-1 with the technical knockout at 1:34 of the round, dropping Gates twice with sharp body shots before the referee intervened.

Manny Pacquiao watched ringside as his eldest son dominated the fight. In the opening round, both fighters exchanged tentatively, but Pacquiao Jr. took control early in the second, landing a hook-body combination for the first knockdown against the ropes. Gates rose but soon absorbed another body shot, prompting the stoppage. "It's a weight lifted off my shoulders," Jimuel Pacquiao said afterward. "I learned so much in my first fight that I was able to implement into my training camp tonight. I have the best team in the world around me at Wild Card Boxing Club."

The co-main event highlighted a family milestone for the Pacquiaos, who celebrated quietly in the ring. Manny offered a simple "Good job" to his son, while Jinkee Pacquiao added, "Right now, you're amazing. I'm proud of you. I'm a...