Pacquiao 146.5, Thurman 146.5 for WBA Welterweight Super Championship in Las Vegas
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 20 Jul 2019
Same weight. Filipino super star Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and American world titlist Keith "One Time" Thurman came in at an identical weight of 146.5 pounds for their blockbuster battle for WBA Welterweight Super championship Saturday night (Sunday morning in Asia) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA.
Both men looked confident and in excellent shape ahead of their hot rumble that many fans think will not to make the distance.
Even after going through tough moments in his last fight against Josesito Lopez (36-8, 19 KO's), Keith Thurman is without a doubt the most difficult opponent that the fast Pacquiao has battled during the last two years of action.
Adrien Broner and Lucas Matthysse (now retired) weren't at any rate close to the quality Pacquiao packs. Thurman (29-0, 22 KO's) is by far a more complete fighter, an undefeated welterweight of speed, who can both punch hard and box well at all times. Plus, Thurman is by 10 years, the younger man.
Will the thrilling battle make it to the final bell? Will Pacquiao manage to find his range and fantastic rhythm to put Thurman in trouble and in defensive mode?
"I have something to prove," shared Pacquiao with the media in Las Vegas.
It's likely that the thought that Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KO's) wants to convey is that at 40 years of age, he is still the king of boxing, defeating in exciting fashion elite younger fighters. His hordes of fans around the world think, yes he can.
Or will it be "One Time"'s time. Will the unbeaten Keith Thurman be the one to dictate how things will be on top of the blue canvas? Is his elbow absolutely, totally healed? Is his faith in his skills still there, as it was prior to his rough world title rumble against tough Puerto Rican-American Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 KO's)?
Fans are on for a thrilling ride, which hopefully, will not be marred by any accidental non-intentional headbutt due to the inverted guards (Pacman a southpaw, Thurman an orthodox), and the thunderous speed of the fighters.
Manny Pacquiao thumbs up with WBA President Gilberto Mendoza and WBA Fight supervisor Jose Oliver Gomez.
The fantastic clash -- one of the most anticipated in 2019 -- most likely will not fail to meet expectations due to toughness and proven fighting skills of the warriors; and fans just can't wait, and bets in Vegas and around the world keen on going hot.
Pacquio is as of now favorite -140 for Thurman +170, and more fans are placing bets as fighting time drives closer.
WBA Officials for the best-selling battle are referee Kenny Bayless, Judes Dave Moretti, Glenn Feldman and Tim Cheatham
WBA President Gilberto Mendoza is in Vegas for the exciting battle. Supervisor for the WBA is Jose Oliver Gomez of Panama.
Pacquiao vs Thurman for the WBA Welterweight Super Championship is a production of TGB Promotions - Tom Brown, in association with MP Promotions - Manny Pacquiao.
May the best man win.
The author Carlos Costa is a veteran man of boxing born in Panama, living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
2026 NBA Finals: Knicks Rally from 29 Points Down to Steal Game 4 from Spurs 107-106
By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 11 Jun 2026VARGAS: BEATING BAM MAKES ME ‘THE MAN’
Thu, 11 Jun 2026Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo Hosts Media Workout Ahead of June 20 Defense Against Philippines’ Joey Canoy
Thu, 11 Jun 2026Sanman 101 boxing event to push through in General Santos
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 11 Jun 2026Panamanian female champ star Nataly Delgado ready to beat Artiga for WBA title in Orlando, Florida
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 11 Jun 2026Pedro Veitia Eager to Separate Himself in Battle of Unbeaten Middleweight Prospects June 13 in Orlando
Thu, 11 Jun 2026Raga, Esquillo, Ortega, Navarrete, Santos, Ripay to compete in Japan 10-Ball Open
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Jun 2026Chess tournament goes to Dasmarinas Cavite
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Jun 2026Roach Jr. vs. Zepeda Press Conference Quotes
Wed, 10 Jun 2026Steven Butler to face Edgar Berlanga on July 26 at the Infosys Theater of the Madison Square Garden in New York
Wed, 10 Jun 2026Nimal Farmer scores signature win over Michael Anderson at Prudential Center
Wed, 10 Jun 2026H2O EAGER TO MAKE STATEMENT AGAINST FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOJO DIAZ IN HOMETOWN HEADLINER JUNE 19
Wed, 10 Jun 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 JUNE 2026: Ramirez SD Lerrone; Baumstarh SD Bustillos; Vazquez, Mindoro Win in Texas; Yabuki, Moloney, Casimero and Angeletti Win in Japan
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Spurs Take Game 3, Beat Knicks in New York 115-111
By Reylan Loberternos, Tue, 09 Jun 2026Casimero still rocking
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 09 Jun 2026