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Jimuel Pacquiao in training

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775207371470viber_image_2026-04-03_16-08-50-482.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Jimuel Pacquiao in training</div>Coach Marvin Somodio believes Jimuel Pacquiao has grown significantly before his second professional bout, pointing to improved composure, conditioning, and maturity inside and outside the ring.“Nakakuha na siya ng experience noong pinakaunang laban niya as a pro. Nahirapan [siya noon] paglabas ng arena, natulala sa dami ng tao. Ngayon na-experience na niya, siguro makakapag-adjust na siya,” Somodio said, noting how the younger Pacquiao was overwhelmed with the large crowd in his debut. “Normal naman ‘yung kaba. Kahit ako first time ko makasama sa laban ni Manny Pacquiao, ganoon din. Nanonood lang ako.”With a large Filipino crowd expected, Somodio acknowledged that pressure remains, especially with the Pacquiao name attached, but emphasized that familiarity should help.“Napakaraming Pilipino dito, mga fans ni Manny Pacquiao pupunta. May pressure pa rin, pero at least nasanay na,” he added.The 25-year-old Jimuel will face 36-year-old bare-knuckle fighter Darrick Gates in a four-round lightweight bout. While Gates brings experience from a different combat discipline, Somodio sees a key edge for his fighter.“‘Yung kalaban maraming experience, pero advantage namin ni Jimuel ay experience sa totoong boxing,” he explained.Central to Jimuel’s preparations has been a stronger focus on conditioning and stamina -- areas which, Somodio says, have improved markedly.“Malakas, mas nag-improve [siya] lalo na ngayon. Dati hanggang two rounds lang, ngayon umaabot ng six to eight rounds,” he said.Their training camp has remained disciplined and consistent, built around endurance and repetition.Somodio also addressed the unique dynamic of Jimuel being guided by his father, an eight-division world champion, on fight night — a situation that brings both pressure and inspiration.“‘Yung daddy mo eight-division champion tapos bibigyan ka instructions sa dressing room… nakaka-excite, ‘di ba,” he said. “May tiwala ako kakayanin ni Jimuel ang pressure.”Outside the ring, Somodio also noted a shift in Jimuel’s mindset, particularly after becoming a father which was a role that initially brought added stress but has since fueled his determination.“Sa ngayon hindi na [siya stressed] kasi regular na training at schedule niya. Dati masipag siya mag-training, ngayon mas lalo nga siyang nagpupursige,” he said.On fight day, the routine remains simple and focused. “Paggising niya 8 or 9, magbe-breakfast tapos go for a walk. Stretching, rest ulit, tapos kain ulit, tapos hintay na lang ng oras ng paglaban,” Somodio said.Jimuel tipped the scales at 136 pounds during the weigh-in, as he eyes his first professional victory.When asked to compare his nerves being in Jimuel and Manny&#x27;s corners, Somodio answered: “Pareho lang,” he said with a laugh.“Kahit anong laban, maliit o malaki, laban pa rin ‘yun. Pareho lang nararamdaman ko.”Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao have already arrived in Temecula for the bout, which is set to take place at around 11 a.m. Manila time, adding even more spotlight to Jimuel’s next step in his young professional career.Before heading to Temecula, Manny and Jinkee attended the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs, where Manny was acknowledged during the event.

Coach Marvin Somodio believes Jimuel Pacquiao has grown significantly before his second professional bout, pointing to improved composure, conditioning, and maturity inside and outside the ring.

Coach Marvin Somodio believes Jimuel Pacquiao has grown significantly before his second professional bout, pointing to improved composure, conditioning, and maturity inside and outside the ring.

Coach Marvin Somodio sees ‘big difference’ in Jimuel Pacquiao ahead of second pro fight

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Coach Marvin Somodio sees ‘big difference’ in Jimuel Pacquiao ahead of second pro fight

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 03, 2026 05:12 PM PHT

Read More:

Jimuel Pacquiao

boxing

Manny Pacquiao

Marvin Somodio

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