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:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The WBC Reaps Rewards in Uruguay
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 15 Jul 2026Risky proposition for Charly
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 15 Jul 2026Michael Zerafa opponent revealed as August 12 tickets go on sale for Gold Coast blockbuster
Wed, 15 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Stay in the Hunt Despite Opening Setback, Shift Focus to Japan Showdown
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Jul 2026BiYu Promotions' Yusniel Abrahante Ready to Shock Undefeated Luis Coria on ProBox TV This Saturday
Wed, 15 Jul 2026Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 15 Jul 2026RUIZ JR. FACES KNYBA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4 – LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN
Wed, 15 Jul 2026MATCHROOM AND DAZN LAUNCH PROJECT SERIES ON AUG 28
Wed, 15 Jul 2026Pinoy woodpushers confident in Asian Youth tilt in Shenzhen, China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Jul 2026CARE conducts WASSAR training course for Junior Lifeguards in Digos
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Jul 2026Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
Tue, 14 Jul 2026Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Jul 2026