Boxing icon and International Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao today announced the U.S. debut of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, set for Saturday, November 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. The inaugural event will be co-promoted with World Boxing Champions Promotions and Patrick Ortiz of Ringside Ticket Inc.
Pacquiao Promotions’ first event in America will also mark the professional debut of his eldest son, Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., who will face an opponent to be announced. Jimuel, 24, enters the pro ranks after a successful three-year amateur career and currently trains at Los Angeles’ famed Wild Card Boxing Gym under the guidance of Marvin Somodio.
“It is an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the U.S.,” said Pacquiao, 46. “November 29 marks a pivotal 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. With talent-rich events like this one, we will spotlight rising contenders and provide a platform for fighters to perform on a global stage.”
Tickets are on sale now at Pechanga.com, and Ticketmaster.com. For VIP and Platinum Experience packages available Oct. 15, check back at MannyPacquiaoPromotions.com. Broadcast details and the full fight card, including an all-star commentary team, will be announced soon.
The evening’s main event features a clash between two knockout artists, as Venezuela’s Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) takes on Oklahoma City’s Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) in a 12-round WBO Featherweight title eliminator. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for reigning WBO Featherweight Champion Rafael Espinoza. This high-stakes showdown promises to deliver fireworks.
Vying to get one step closer to a world title in the main event, Manny Pacquiao Promotions’ prospect Parra plans to meet his American power-punching counterpart Pierce in the center of the ring. With his last two contests in the United States, Parra gears up for his title eliminator bout following a majority draw against the undefeated Omar Cande Trinidad.
The 28-year-old Pierce, who is co-promoted by Viva Promotions and OTX Boxing, has proven to be one of the most entertaining featherweight prospects in the world. Riding a 12-fight winning streak, Pierce returns following a dramatic ninth-round knockout over veteran Michael Dasmarinas, a fight in which he recovered from a first-round knockdown to secure the WBO International Featherweight title.
