Can Thurman check in primed like Pacquiao?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Jul 2019
Pacquiao lays up and imaginary ball during training in Los Angeles.
IT will be each warrior to his own strength ? and weakness.
Nobody can be sure. The best we can all do is guess and hang onto possibilities in what promises to be a truly great world championship fight.
Manny Pacquiao could not ask for more, he?s checking in super primed from a solid camp. In fact, Pacquiao has been claiming over a week ago he could do the title bout anytime.
Keith Thurman pitched camp much later than Pacquiao; but the undefeated 30-year-old sounded sure he has covered all he needed to during a relatively brief preparation.
Boxing greats are split on their choices.
Odds are moving close to even, with Pacquiao enjoying a slight edge among bookmakers.
The conduct of training will strongly influence, if not ultimately decide, the outcome of the championship.
Pacquiao has been showing everybody his robust regimen, both in the gym and out in the running field.
Thurman has practically been doing his thing in his own corner of the world.
**
There are the intangibles.
For the first time, it has been reported that, more than arm injury, Thurman had been badly hurt in a vehicular accident.
John J. Raspanti of MaxBoxing.com said Thurman had a sluggish start: ?Thurman needs to perform at a higher level versus Pacquiao. It hasn?t been a very good camp start. Thurman was out for almost two years due to back injuries sustained in an automobile accident, and elbow surgery.?
Thurman had been severely injured, as shown in his poor showing against vast underdog Josesito Lopez in January.
Admitted Thurman: ?I definitely felt ring rust that night. There were times when there were certain combinations I wanted to throw but they were not coming out.?
Team Pacquiao said they are not basing their idea of what sort of opponent they will have on Thurman?s struggling finish in his last fight.
Thurman himself said he has taken momentum from his last bout to his current camp.
?This camp is already a far better one for this fight,? he said.
**
Did Thurman need to cut corners (in training)?
Why does he insist he hopes to end the contest inside six rounds?
Thurman continued to claim he has vastly superior ring craft and intelligence.
Freddie Roach said Thurman is too slow, at the same time vowing a stoppage around the ninth round.
There will be a premium on adjustments.
Pacquiao is more than complete, ready to make it a nightmare for his opponent.
Thurman will have to dig deeper and provide surprises, if he hopes for a fairy tale finish.
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