Brendan Lally - A Champion in and out of the Ring

For a guy who teaches high school English in Chicago, stepping into the ring for 4 rounds is a walk in the park.

That is exactly what Brendan Lally (0-0-1) did Saturday night at the Pachanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.

However, his opponent certainly had the family genes, if not the experience, to give Lally a tough day at the office. Facing off against Lally was Jimuel Pacquiao. If that name seems familiar, it should, as he is the son of 8-time world champion and living legend Manny Pacquiao.

Lally, in the tried and true role of the “B-side”, was supposed to show up, give a good account of himself and take his loss. However, nobody sent the likeable young man from ‘the windy city’ the script because he came to win. And, win he almost did.

The final scores had Pacquiao winning 39-37 on one card and 38-38 on the other 2, resulting in a draw. A punch here, a point there, and either fighter could have squeaked out a win.

While a win for Pacquiao would have been the storybook start, Lally seemed happy with his performance. Like Pacquiao, Lally would have liked a win, but he was proud of his performance and of the opportunity to make his pro debut in front of a sold-out crowd against a guy named Pacquiao.

“I had a lot of fun. A win would feel better but I got to do something awesome on a cool stage and I had a lot of fun doing it”, he said. "I knew if I passed up this opportunity to do something so incredible, the coolest thing in the world, to me, on the coolest stage possible, I knew I would regret it," he said.

As for returning to the ring, it sounds like he is one and done.  

“No, I’m going back home and living my life with appreciation. I’m gonna love my girlfriend and go back to focusing on my teaching job”.

Like they have been all week, both fighters were classy and cordial to one another in the post-fight interviews. Lally had nothing but praise for his famous foe. 

“I hope for the best for him. He’s a winner in my book. He just had a baby, and he did a lot for charity this week with this toy drive. Like me, he’s a fighter. I wish him nothing but the best”, Lally said. 

Pacquiao will continue with his career under the guidance of his famous father. Lally will return home with a great story to tell for the rest of his life. The scores may have read a draw, but it is evident that both these young men are winners.