Any news about Manny Pacquiao - whether it's boxing or his senatorial efforts in the Philippines - will always excite the crowd. Even at 40 years old, "Pacman" proves time and again that he can still box. And even with a career in politics, he is still willing to face any challenger, defend his name, as well as his reputation, in the squared circle.
While the boxing world is eagerly waiting for a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather rematch, Mike Coppinger recently reported that a potential Pay-Per-View battle awaits the 8-time world champion. According to his Twitter post, Coppinger said that Pacquiao and World Boxing Association (WBA) champ Keith Thurman "are in advanced talks" for a July 13 face-off. There's no deal between the two camps yet, but The Ring Magazine is seeing it as something that's "expected to be completed."
Also reporting on the speculation is Forbes, who jotted that while the bout is PPV worthy; Thurman poses a "major risk" against the aging Pacquiao. "One Time" is 10 years younger than Pacquiao. He is also bigger than his potential opponent and despite the 2-year ring rust; Thurman proved that he can still pack a punch when he fought Joselito Lopez earlier this year.
Although the website admitted that Pacquiao still has his trademark "combination of power and speed" that makes him a dangerous opponent, Forbes also sees that there is an "obvious chance" that the future Hall of Famer could lose to Thurman via "stoppage".
On the other hand, Pacquiao's legendary speed and footwork were seen when he faced and won over Adrien Broner in lopsided fashion. The latter had something to say after the fight, but the world knew pretty much who won that fight. Pacquiao's win over Broner was his first fight under Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) following his departure from Top Rank Boxing and a victory against Lucas Matthysse.
This is indeed a perfect match for the 30-year old Thurman. With the likes of Errol Spence and Terence Crawford in the loom, a win against Pacquiao will put Thurman on the boxing map for good. Defeating a boxing icon like Pacquiao will definitely boost Thurman's morale and confidence, as well as to slowly dominate the welterweight division.
Pacquiao meanwhile will look for an upset if he wants to make the rematch against "Money" into reality. Still, this is boxing; there will always be something that will surprise the world, the sport, and its critics. We've seen tides turn when the fight reaches the hands of the judges in the past, and this is something that both fighters will look to avoid.
