Jimuel Pacquiao guns for first pro win, tests mettle vs bare-knuckle fighter

Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr. (left) poses with American Darrick Gates after weighing in for their fight.

Mike Ona / Manny Pacquiao Promotions

MANILA, Philippines — Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr. will try to nail his first victory since turning professional last year, seeing action Saturday (Manila time) at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

The son of legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao will take on a much-older Darrick Gates in a four-round lightweight bout billed as the co-main event of the show along with Filipino Pedro Taduran’s minimumweight title defense.

The 36-year-old Gates is bare-knuckle fighter with eight bouts under his belt, winning just one. As a boxer, the American has fought once but lost last year.

The 25-year-old Jimuel, meanwhile, is coming off a draw in his debut in November last year against Brendan Lally.

At the official weigh-in Friday, the younger Pacquiao came below the contracted weight limit of 137 pounds, tipping the scales at 136.2 lbs. Gates was also within the limit at 133.8 lbs.

"I love the challenge. I’m ready," said Pacquiao.

Jimuel’s parents Manny and Jinkee arrived in the United States the other day to be ringside for the bout.

"“I’m happy that they are there. I appreciate all the love and support. I’m excited,” added Jimuel.

After the Pacquiao Jr.-Gates bout, Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) will defend the International Boxing Federation minimumweight championship against Mexico’s Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-1, 5 KOs).