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:
MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES A FULL SELLOUT AND BROADCAST DETAILS AHEAD OF U.S. DEBUT EVENT THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO IN TEMECULA, CALIF.
Tue, 25 Nov 2025Tomorrow Night's CB Promotions Card at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton is Postponed
Tue, 25 Nov 2025PHL bids to host WB Congress
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 25 Nov 2025Joel "Lethal" Lewis talks boxing evolution and upcoming Thunderdome 52 fight this Friday in Perth
Tue, 25 Nov 2025Granite Chin Promotions signs Milton pro boxer Jenn Perella
Tue, 25 Nov 2025Mabuhay at Salamat: ‘The Thirty’ Filipino Boxers Who Became Giants
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 24 Nov 2025World-ranked Lightweight Dynamo Justin Pauldo Collides with Hard-punching Nike Theran
Mon, 24 Nov 2025Fastest Pinay in IronMan 70.3 World comes from Lanao del Norte
By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, Mon, 24 Nov 2025Two-time middleweight world champion Gennadiy Golovkin confirmed as new President of World Boxing at Congress 2025 in Rome
Mon, 24 Nov 2025Panama City will host the World Boxing Ordinary Congress in 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 24 Nov 2025Tadlas, Busayong rule 42K in 3rd SDSPPO Run for a Cause
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 24 Nov 2025"The Mexican Monster" Terrorizes the 175: Benavidez Demolishes Yarde to Win WBC Light Heavyweight Title
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025Harden scores 55 points for a new LA Clippers record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 23 Nov 2025Devin Haney Dominates Brian Norman Jr. to Claim WBO Welterweight Title
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025"Bam" Rodriguez Stops "Puma" Martínez in 10
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025