Reshaped Thurman going for KO, nothing less
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 10 Jul 2019
KEITH Thurman has admitted to a very poor form in his last bout, which he barely survived against underdog Josesito Lopez.
Thurman said he was really nervous about making weight for that bout.
He was hog heavy, walking around at 182 pounds, unsure of himself for nearly two years before the fight last January which he was lucky to win by majority decision.
He got hit, shaken and was in trouble in the seventh round.
?My ability saw me through. I am thankful, I feel strong and healthy and taken those feelings right into this training camp,? he assured from his Florida work base.
For the record, his team had been evasive about his exact condition when he decided to return after nearly two years of forced lay-off, caused by injuries.
For the first time, Thurman has made a neat and honest declaration of intent. There?s none of the trashy conceit, which he had overdone in slurring Manny Pacquiao.
Thurman obviously wanted to say this is a new warrior that?s taking on the legendary Pacquiao.
He has promised a world class performance on July 20 at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
?I?d like to get the knockout or TKO,? he declared. ?You?re going to see a world class performance.
He said he?d like to be the old devastating champion once again.
**
Out in the Hollywood area, Pacquiao handlers declared they are done with preparations, claiming there?s nothing more left for Pacquiao to do.
Pacquiao on Sunday rode to the Universal Studios with his family for a day of bonding, relaxation and fun.
Team Pacquiao should be in fight site Las Vegas this weekend.
?I believe I have the better speed and footwork,? Pacquiao told BoxingScene.com. ?Thurman is going to be surprised by what he sees in me. I know he senses what?s coming his way.?
Pacquiao has lessened his comments on the fight.
Freddie Roach has however assured Pacquiao will win because of his work ethic.
?Manny has not slowed down at all,? Roach said. ?He?s the same Manny Pacquiao 22 years ago.?
Roach said Thurman has visibly faded and slowed down.
?I don?t really think he?s the fighter he once was,? Roach said.
**
There are two distinct possibilities in the Pacquiao-Thurman welterweight unification championship.
1) The smaller but faster and sharper fighter spurts over and overwhelms his opponent for a flashy win;
2) The bigger and younger fighter stays firm and strong through the blazing offensive to box brilliantly and score a methodical victory.
The bout is fast shaping into a toss-up, a pick ?em encounter deemed to be a hit with the vast pay-per-view audience.
For the record Thurman, unlike Pacquiao, has never been stopped.
Mchael Rosenthal, an influential boxing authority and critic, has maintained Thurman, younger, bigger and more technically sound, will be providing a dangerous challenge to Pacquiao.
Rosenthal said he hopes Pacquiao doesn?t get seriously hurt during the championship.
?I hope the referee or Roach will stop the fight a second too soon and not a second too late if things become hopeless for Pacquiao.?
Pacquiao himself said there?s a big possibility the big fight will not go 12 rounds.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Weights from Tokyo: Naoya Inoue - 121.75 lbs, Luis Nery - 121 lbs
Sun, 05 May 2024Canelo Alvarez Drops, Decisions Jaime Munguia to Retain Undisputed Super Middleweight Title
By Ralph Rimpell, Sun, 05 May 2024Minnesota T-wolves Are For Real, Beat Denver Nuggets in Game 1
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 05 May 2024Mario Barrios Outpoints Fabian Maidana
By Ralph Rimpell, Sun, 05 May 2024Brandon Figueroa Stops Jessie Magdaleno with a Body Shot in 9th Round
By Ralph Rimpell, Sun, 05 May 2024Eimantas Stanionis Remains Undefeated by Outpointing Gabriel Maestre
By Ralph Rimpell, Sun, 05 May 2024Canelo vs Munguia Off TV Results in Las Vegas
By Ralph Rimpell, Sun, 05 May 2024Japan One Title From Bantamweight Sweep
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 05 May 2024‘STAR BOY’ BOSTAN HAS MORE THAN A FEELING HE’LL HEADLINE AT ROTHERHAM
Sun, 05 May 2024Pontinos dominate JSAP Nat’l Season
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 05 May 2024Fighting for More Than Scraps
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 04 May 2024Press Conference Notes: Naoya Inoue & Luis Nery Set for UNDISPUTED Tokyo Dome Duel
Sat, 04 May 2024Dallas Ditches LA Clippers, To Meet OKC; Pattern Stays as Magic Repel Cavaliers
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 04 May 2024Canelo vs. Munguia: Mexican Standoff on Saturday
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 04 May 2024CANELO ALVAREZ VS. JAIME MUNGIA TALE OF THE TAPE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 04 May 2024