By CARLO ANOLIN
Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr. bounced back from his tough loss last June by defeating American opponent Dylan Merrikan in their three-round junior lightweight bout at the Montebello Country Club in California Friday, Aug. 5.
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 whistling 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, 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!”
