Manny Pacquiao Jr set for second professional fight this weekend

The son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring on Saturday night as he takes the next step in his career.

Emmanuel 'Jimuel' Pacquiao Jr. made his professional debut in November on an event promoted by his father following a brief stint in the amateur ranks.

Against fellow debutant, and full-time school teacher, Brendan Lally, the 25-year-old was forced to settle for a majority draw over four rounds, a decision that could just have easily gone against him.

Speaking following the bout, Pacquiao said he was proud of how his son handled his maiden bout but insisted he still has a lot to learn.

"He did well for his first fight — he didn't have a lot of experience as an amateur, so for me, I'm satisfied with this performance," Pacquiao said via Fight Hub TV.

"Although we're expecting more, it's good for him to experience a professional fight like that.

"I told him that it's not easy. Ahead of time, I told him that this professional fight is not different to sparring or training.

Despite an unconvincing start to his professional career Pacquiao Jr is determined to continue with ambitions and will fight this Saturday night on the undercard of the strawweight title fight between Pedro Taduran and Gustavo Perez Alvarez.

The four-round lightweight bout will take place at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California on an event promoted by Manny Pacquiao promotions.

His opponent is set to be American Darrick Gates, a 36-year-old with a professional record of 0-1, having lost his only previous fight by first-round TKO in March 2024.

Gates has also competed several times in bare-knuckle boxing and holds a record of one win and six losses in the discipline.