Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is flipping the script and stepping into the promoter role on U.S. soil. The eight-division world champ and International Hall of Famer just announced the U.S. debut of Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP), landing Saturday, November 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The card will be co-promoted with World Boxing Champions Promotions and Patrick Ortiz of Ringside Ticket Inc.
And yes — the night’s got family ties. Pacquiao’s oldest son, Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., will lace them up for his pro debut. The 24-year-old has been grinding out a solid three-year amateur run and now sharpens up under trainer Marvin Somodio at LA’s famed Wild Card Boxing Gym.
“It is an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the U.S.,” said Pacquiao. “November 29 marks a new beginning. Some of my greatest memories took place in U.S. rings, and I’m proud to now create opportunities for the next generation of champions.”
Jimuel Pacquiao steps into the pro spotlight
Jimuel’s opponent hasn’t been announced yet, but the kid’s getting a proper launchpad. Pacquiao Sr. wants his son — and other young fighters — to have a big stage, and Temecula’s Pechanga Resort Casino sets the scene. Tickets are already on sale at Pechanga.com and Ticketmaster.com. VIP and Platinum packages go live October 15 at MannyPacquiaoPromotions.com. Broadcast details and commentary team are coming soon.
Knockout main event: Parra vs Pierce for a WBO shot
The top of the bill? Venezuelan banger Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) faces Oklahoma’s hard-hitting Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) in a 12-round WBO featherweight title eliminator. Winner becomes the mandatory challenger for champ Rafael Espinoza.
Parra’s coming off a gritty majority draw against unbeaten Omar Cande Trinidad and wants to stamp his name in the division. Pierce rides a 12-fight win streak, fresh off a comeback knockout of Michael Dasmarinas — he got dropped early but flipped the fight with a brutal ninth-round finish to keep his WBO International strap.
Pacquiao isn’t just testing the promoter waters — he’s diving in. Smart move to launch with his kid on the card; Jimuel will draw eyeballs, even from the “he’s only here ‘cause of dad” crowd. The main event is no soft touch either — Parra’s got slick skills, but Pierce is dangerous and thrives in chaos. If Pierce drags him into a firefight, this could end nasty. As for Jimuel, he better be ready for the social media smoke if he looks green. And you know Manny will be watching every second like a proud but critical dad who’s seen it all
‘New beginning’ my foot! This is just Manny making money off his name again and dragging his son along for fame 😒 he ain’t thinking about other boxers who deserve a chance.
This whole thing feels fake to me. Promoting your own event and putting your kid in the spotlight? That don’t seem right in sports where others working harder not getting chances.
Jimuel ain’t even fought nobody yet and he getting VIP treatment and big stage? Come on now, there’s better fighters who deserve that shot before him.
True! And people gonna act surprised if he gets knocked out early too 😂 they setting him up too fast without proving anything first.
I think this is just Manny trying to stay in the spotlight. Like, let it go already. You was great, we get it. But now pushing your son into pro fights? Let the boy earn it.
Exactly! It’s like they skipping steps just cause of the name. He should do more amateur fights first before going pro with all this attention 💯.
Man this just seems like another rich guy using his name to give his kid a shortcut. There’s real fighters out here grinding and they ain’t getting no stage like this. Not fair at all.
I don’t get why Manny is pushing his son like this. Just cause he’s Pacquiao’s kid don’t mean he got what it takes. This feels more like a show than real boxing 🙄.