Jimuel displays dad’s heart

MANILA, Philippines — Jimuel Pacquiao isn’t a southpaw like his father but there are other things that make them similar in the ring. MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, who’s in town for a visit, said Jimuel fights with heart and has shifty footwork like Sen. Manny Pacquiao. Jimuel, 21, recently scored a three-round win on points over Andres Rosales of the Rain Cross Boxing Academy in a 140-pound tiff on an 18-bout show organized by the House of Boxing on Reo Drive, San Diego. It was his first win in the US after engaging in a few fights locally, including a KO over Miguel Egan and a loss by split decision to Ken Danila in 2019.

“Jimuel’s very disciplined,” said Gibbons. “He’s at the gym (Wild Card) every day, working hard, training, sparring thrice a week four or six rounds, doing his runs.” Gibbons was at ringside when Jimuel beat Rosales. “He fought amazing, showed great will to win and was very composed,” said Gibbons. “He just works his pace and tries to drop a big right hand here and there. It’s jab, jab then right hands. I think right now, he just wants to enjoy amateur boxing and see how far he can take it.”

Jimuel’s trainer Marvin Somodio was in his corner for the fight and was impressed. “Maganda pinakita ni Jimuel, kaya niya makipagsabayan,” said Somodio. “May lakas sa parehong kamay. Kailangan lang ng experience. Marami pa dapat ma-improve at ang kagandahan ay madali siyang matuto.”

Somodio said Jimuel reports for work without fail. “Sobrang disiplinado sa training two times a day, six days a week at mula October, ‘di pa nag-absent maliban lang kung advice ko siya magpahinga,” Freddie Roach’s chief assistant said. “Thrice a week sparring, two times mitts. Gusto ko ma-develop pa yung killer’s instinct kasi masyado mabait at magalang kaya minsan, dinadala sa ring. Kaya niya maging pro pero kung maging world champion, kailangan maging full-time boxer siya.”

Senator Pacquiao spoke to his son after the fight on a video phone call and congratulated him for the win. He advised Jimuel to improve on his speed of delivering punches and said it was a good experience. Jimuel has been in the US since the Pacquiao-Ugas fight last year and will continue to train at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for his next outing.