PACQUIAO-THURMAN: THE AFTERMATH
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 Jul 2019
Newly crowned WBA Super welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao thanked all his supporters during the post fight interview. "I really loved the fans. Thank you so much for coming here and witnessing the fight," Pacquiao said.
He believes the fans are satisfied with the bruising fight and appreciates his tough opponent. "I'm sure you were happy tonight because you see a good fight. Even though Thurman lost, he did his best. He's not an easy opponent. He's a good boxer, strong. I think I'm just blessed tonight."
With his face contused and swollen due to the battle he waged for 12 action-packed rounds, Pacquiao considered it a great fight. ?That?s a real fight. Candidate for Fight of the Year.?
He said both of them delivered the best fighting talents to entertain the audience at the MGM Grand Arena and the millions watching all over the world on television. ?It was fun. He did his best, I did my best. I think we made the fans happy tonight because it was a good fight,?
Keith Thurman said his 22 month layoff took its toll on his power and dexterity. "We've seen champions' inactivity not favor them from time to time." His rust was shown during his encounter with Josesito Lopez. "I knew I had the skills to be victorious in the ring," said Thurman. "But yeah, obviously, 22 months out of the ring? Josesito Lopez, and then Manny Pacquiao."
He could have fought another opponent for tune up but the opportunity to fight a legend is just too costly to be passed up. "I tried to stay active, but you know, maybe another fight in between would have helped."
The dethroned champ added some of his strategies worked on the eight-division world champion and former pound-for-pound king. "But I just thought that I would be able to do some countering, utilize my jab from the outside, and really pressure him in the way that I did. Some of the things that I wanted to do, I was able to do."
Thurman added that it was really a close fight and this time had nice words for the fighter turned senator. "I knew it was just too close. He got the knockdown so he had momentum in Round 1. I want to thank the fans. I want to thank everybody for coming out. This was a beautiful night of boxing. Manny Pacquiao is a great, truly great champion."
He admitted Pacquiao's experience and great training camp prevailed, then offered a rematch. "I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe. I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. My conditioning, my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao. It was a great night of boxing. I'd love a rematch."
"I do know that I'm a true champion," he added. "Keith 'One Time' Thurman has always been a true champion. I will be back." The former WBA champion vowed to rise from the fall. "You get knocked down, you gotta pick yourself back up. That's what champions do. Like I said, we'll be back."
On his Twitter, Thurman posted: "I?ve always said I?m not afraid to let my 0 go, if you can beat me ? beat me. @MannyPacquiao beat me tonight. Hats off to the Senator on a great performance. #OneTime #PacThurman."
?Don?t be discouraged,? Pacquiao advised Thurman. ?You?re still young. Your journey doesn?t end here.?
Trainer Freddie Roach is so concerned with Pacquiao's health after the fight. This came when the Filipino icon complained of blurred vision after the explosive clash atop the ring. "Manny, he fought a great fight last night. He took a little too many hits, and maybe a little bit too much punishment."
"Maybe it's over," Roach said. "It would be very difficult. But I'm always honest with Manny." He told media the same sentiment he echoed after the controversial loss to Jeff Horn. "Because the last thing I want to happen is for him to get hurt."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RING/DAZN PPV Card Gives Bang for the Bucks
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 21 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Fri, 21 Nov 2025JC Chavez Jr to return in January 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Houston Rockets Subdue Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104, Gain Tie for 2nd in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 20 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025