Pacquiao-Thurman set for July 20

By Kevin Sox

After months of looking for his opponent, Filipino boxing legend and eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will finally have another battle on July 20 this year as he faces WBA welterweight super world champion, Keith Thurman.

It will the 71st bout in the long and decorated career of the 40-year old Pacquiao, who last fought in January this year when he won via decision over Adrien Broner.

Thurman (29-0, 22 KOS, 1 NC) boasts an undefeated boxing record with wins over names like Danny Garcia, Robert Guerrero, and Shawn Porter. His last win was over Josesito Lopez which was also held last January.

However, pundits believe Thurman’s last win over Lopez was not convincing, and that Pacquiao, who is 10 years his senior, has a legitimate shot at winning over the super champion.

Per Brian Mazique of Forbes:

“Thurman didn’t look spectacular in his last fight in January … He began strong, showing his signature speed and punching power, but Thurman wilted a bit down the stretch.”

Mazique added that Thurman, on the other hand, has the KO power to his advantage, citing that since 2012, Pacquiao has not faced fighters known for their KO power or instinct like Broner, Floyd Mayweather, Brandon Rios, Lucas Matthysse, Jeff Horn, Tim Bradley, and Chris Algieri.

“Without question, a sharp Thurman poses the biggest KO threat of any of his opponents over the past seven years,” wrote Mazique.

Pacquiao is the current WBA regular welterweight world champion. The upcoming fight will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be on Pay-Per-View.