Jimuel Pacquiao knocks out American foe for 1st pro career win

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr. bounced back in style after scoring his first professional win via a lopsided technical knockout (TKO) over American challenger Darrick Gates on April 4, 2026, at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.

Three months after opening his pro career with a majority draw against Brendan Lally, the son of Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao ensured that no sloppy starts or careless engagements would hinder him from accomplishing his mission.

More cautious, patient and calculated with his point of attack, Pacquiao went from reading Gates in the first round to disposing of him with only a minute remaining in the following period.

Pacquiao kicked off his notable win with a patient approach, reading Gates’ tendencies while moving in sync with his footwork and throwing jabs to keep his activity on the official scorecards.

Despite Gates hitting him with two big hooks in the first 30 seconds of the round, Pacquiao responded with on-point combinations that landed at will, especially when the American was pinned against the ropes.

In the final 30 seconds of the round, Pacquiao earned the nod of the judges after cornering Gates on the ropes again and throwing a slick three-punch combination that ended with a devastating body punch.

Already locked in and equipped with a concrete strategy to crack Gates, Pacquiao came out swinging as soon as the second round began, tagging his opponent with a quick right hook to set the tone in the frame.

All hell broke loose when Pacquiao scored the first knockdown of the fight at the 2:31 mark, made possible by a sharp combination capped off by a heavy hook that floored Gates.

Gates was able to beat the official 10-second count and managed to get back up, but Pacquiao smelled blood and ended his hopes with a body shot that ended the pro showdown at the 1:09 mark of the second round.

“In the camp, we’ve been working on the body a lot, because I’m shorter,” Pacquiao said during an interview with YouTuber Fight Hub TV.

“I’m happy that I stopped him with it too. I came in a little bit stiff, but later on got into my groove. Working on the body a little bit more. Yeah, I guess I need more experience.”