Pacquiao aims to break off Thurman's spotless career record
By Leo Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 12 Jul 2019
Eight-division world champion and incumbent Philippine senator Manny Pacquiao wants to be the first challenger of Keith Thurman to break off his spotless career record on July 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thurman remains unbeaten in his professional boxing career spanning 12 years since he debuted as a pro in 2007.
The 30-year-old orthodox fighter from Clearwater, Florida has won 22 of his 30 professional fights via knockout.
Thurman, who is known as one of the hard-hitting welterweight punchers, is putting his current WBA welterweight title on the line against Pacquiao.
While Thurman was knocking out almost all of his opponents in the past 10 years, he had shown some visible flaws in his most recent fights which could be exploited by Pacquiao while on training as the fight draws near.
Notably, Thurman?s recent encounter with challenger Josesito Lopez, has led Pacquiao?s longtime trainer Freddie Roach to calibrate his fight plan with emphasis on Thurman?s weak points as shown in his last fight against Lopez.
It was evident that Thurman struggled with body shots even against Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia in his last three fights. Likewise, Thurman seems to tire out in the later rounds which could be inferred on his stamina.
Before the Lopez fight, Thurman had a long layoff from the sport brought about by a serious injury arising from a car accident that necessitated restrictive medical attention. Prior to this, he also had to undergo surgery on his right elbow and left hand.
In a recent press conference, Thurman talked about his comeback fight after nearly two years of inactivity.
"I am back on the big stage; I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my talent and skill with a legend in the sport. It?s a big ?get back? year for me. I tried to tell everyone that and this is what it?s like when champions get back to performing like world-class champions. No excuses. I want to be the best Keith Thurman I can be, and we set up a camp where we can bring out the best in me, for myself, for the fight and for the fight fans; we?re going to win this fight,? said Thurman, who was initially favored to win against Pacquiao.
?For his part, Pacquiao said he will use his experience and skill to deliver Thurman?s first career loss.
?My experience will be very important for this fight. It?s going to be useful against an undefeated fighter. I?m going to give him the experience of losing for the first time. I?m still having fun and enjoying the sport,? Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao is coming off two straight wins since his controversial loss to Jeff Horn in July 2017 while Thurman is riding high on his 30-fight winning streak since his debut as a professional boxer in 2007.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Leo Reyes.
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