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:
Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Pull Off Stunning Comeback Against World No 3 Puerto Rico, Split Doubleheader in Lima
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 17 Jul 2026"Pipino" Cuevas: 50 Years as Mexico's Youngest World Champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Jul 2026IBA Secretary General & CEO, Chris Roberts OBE: Regulation is how IBA pave the way forward for Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Fri, 17 Jul 2026EVERY WORD FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR PACHECO VS. ALEEM IN CARSON, CALIFORNIA
Fri, 17 Jul 2026WBO Youth Champion Esteban Garson Signs Agreement with Tuto Zabala Jr.'s All Star Boxing, Inc.
Fri, 17 Jul 2026Wheels and Waves 2026 at August 8 & 9 in Samal
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Jul 2026FM Rico Salimbagat leads IIEE Chessmasters team in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 17 Jul 2026MCGIRT: WE HAVEN’T SCRATCHED THE SURFACE OF PACHECO’S TALENT
Fri, 17 Jul 2026Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Tickets Are Now on Sale & Special Guests Confirmed for 10th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend
Fri, 17 Jul 2026Puma Half Marathon kicks off July 19
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Jul 2026Asian Youth Chess in China
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 17 Jul 2026NONSTOP ACTION ADDED TO ROACH VS. ZEPEDA WITH STACKED UNDERCARD
Thu, 16 Jul 2026Heavyweight Dainier Pero Looks to Continue His Climb Against Aleem Whitfield Live on ESPN
Thu, 16 Jul 2026Ryan Garcia Set to Defend World Title Against Conor Benn in Paramount+ Global Bout at T-Mobile Arena on September 12 over Mexican Independence Day Weekend
Thu, 16 Jul 2026Fight Result: Yuga Ozaki Stops Jerry Francisco in Tokyo
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 16 Jul 2026