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:
Unification next for Taduran?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 07 Apr 2026BEN WHITTAKER REPLACES INJURED CALLUM SMITH AS THE NEW MAIN EVENT FOR LIVERPOOL FIGHT NIGHT ON APRIL 18 – LIVE ON DAZN
Tue, 07 Apr 2026Filipino chess phenom triumphs at Krefelder Osteropen 2026 chess tournament in Germany
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026ProBoxTV Travels to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, This Friday, April 10, as Hebert Conceicao Sousa Battles Power-Punching South American Johan Gonzalez in Middleweight Main Event
Tue, 07 Apr 2026Yokasta Valle vs Lourdes Juarez for WBC Female world championship?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 07 Apr 2026GM Joey Antonio ties for 10th in Canberra chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026Canelo Expected to Return on September 15 in Riyadh
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 07 Apr 2026Ring Masters Championships 2026 Finals April 10 at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 07 Apr 2026Jeffrey de Luna keep the Philippines alive in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-ball World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026NOTHING BUT SPORTZ PRESENTS GAMBOA & RIGONDEAUX — MAY 2 IN MIAMI ONE NIGHT. SAME CARD. HAVANA HEAT
Mon, 06 Apr 2026Wilkens Mathieu Against Olympic Medallist Esquiva Falcao at the Théâtre Capitole of Quebec City on June 11!
Mon, 06 Apr 2026National Master Jasper Faeldonia rules Romblon chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 06 Apr 2026Twin wins for Pinoy boxers
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Apr 2026NM Buto spearheads Goldland Chess Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Apr 2026Andreas Cortes vs Eridson Garcia Tops Paramount Plus Card
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 05 Apr 2026