Underdog Pacquiao keen on solid firefight
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 14 May 2019
GOING by their immediate last fights, setting up the WBA world welterweight championship between Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman was never easy. But give it to the fabulous merchandizers at Al Haymon?s Premier Boxing Champions, there?s a burning match-up waiting at the boxing bend in July.
His status as eight-division world champion is unshakeable. But it is obvious Pacquiao has promptly been tagged the underdog in the July 20 fight based on the fighters? widely contrasting age and ring record.
Thurman, 30, is unbeaten; Pacquiao, 40, has lost a total of seven times, including a crushing lights-out knockout in 2012.
Pacquiao, listed as regular (secondary) WBA welterweight title-holder, also pales out as a crown pretender against Thurman, the reigning WBA super welterweight champion.
**
It will be a WBA unification championship.
There are experts who fear a dismal end to Pacquiao, but nothing honestly complete has been told about Thurman who, like it or not, is checking in for the championship as a repaired fighter who has not figured in very relevant bouts for over two years.
Pacquiao?s last two outings were sizzlers.
Thurman could barely survive against a 16-1 underdog last January.
**
Pacquiao himself would not deny that he had found Thurman rusty; although he readily assured the WBA super welter champion is the toughest opponent available out there (?).
?I thought his style would match up with mine, he had looked rusty but that won?t be an issue,? Pacquiao stated.
Pacquiao added he expects an action fight from Thurman.
?I?ve always looked for the best challenges in my career,? Pacquiao stressed.
**
Thurman?s last fight in January after coming from a 22-month lay-off due to injuries was trashy, but the undefeated champ nevertheless survived.
Didn?t Thurman look he needed further rehabilitation, or at least a solid tune-up match before taking on the fabulous and ageless Pacquiao?
Pacquiao predicts fierce, fiery combat.
The tougher the better, Pacquiao also promises killing combat because, he swears, that?s what fight fans expect and deserve.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026