Jimuel Pacquiao bounces back, beats American foe


Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr. bounced back from his tough loss last June and defeated American opponent Dylan Merrikan via decision in their three-round junior lightweight bout at the Montebello Country Club in California Friday, Aug. 5.

Jimuel Pacquiao holds a special WBC amateur belt after beating Dylan Merrikan in their three-round junior lightweight bout at the Montebello Country Club in California Friday, Aug. 5. (Photo from Jinkee Pacquiao's Instagram account)

Jimuel unleashed powerful combinations and hefty hooks which earned him most of the points, turning back Merrikan's attempts in the process.

The second round saw another different form of the 21-year-old Pacquiao as he showcased precise counterpunching and connecting hooks to the Californian native foe.

Jimuel, son of the boxing legend and eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, was also awarded a special World Boxing Council (WBC) amateur belt after the fight.

He improved to an overall amateur record of 6-2.

Watching at the ringside were Jimuel's mother Jinkee, for the first time, while his sisters Princess and Queen Elizabeth also witnessed their brother's fight.

"Nakangiti pero pinipigilan lang umiyak. First time kong mapanood ang anak ko lumaban (namumula na mata) thank you Lord sa panalo na binigay mo sa anak ko," wrote Jinkee on her Instagram post.

"Jimuel, I'm so proud of you! I will always be here for you. I love you, son!"