The boxing world is eager to know Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent although it seems that the choice has been whittled down to two. Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia are believed to be at the top of the list although the former may have the lead to land a big fight with the Filipino boxing icon.
As mentioned in a previous post, Thurman is shaping up to be the better opponent for Pacquiao over Garcia. This is despite the fact that the 31-year-old is scheduled to face Adrian Granados on Apr. 20 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Should Garcia end up losing against Granados, Thurman is expected to be the hands down choice. But is “One Time” the best opponent for the Pac-Man?
If given the choice, there are a lot of fighters who may answer the call of the Filipino boxer/ lawmaker. But of course, Pacquiao will want to face someone who poses as a challenge and someone that would interest fans.
Thurman last entered the ring on Jan. 26, hacking out a majority decision win over Joselito Lopez to retain the WBA Super Welterweight belt. This was about the same time when Pacquiao had defeated Broner handily.
According to Boxing News and Views, Thurman’s next opponent is expected to be named soon. And from all indications, most are expecting that guy to be Pacquiao.
Apparently, that fight against Lopez may have increased his stock although it wasn’t exactly the best performance the 30-year-old boxer unraveled. In fact, pundits were not that impressed with the win, some even saying that it was terrible and a far cry from the performance he had against Garcia back in 2017.
There is a chance that Thurman may use that performance as a way to improve. But against Pacquiao, he may need to work overtime. Even if he is 10 years older than One Time, there is no denying that the Filipino pug still possesses vicious the hand speed that may be too much to handle for the American boxer.
As for Pacquiao, Thurman looms as a dangerous opponent as well. That last fight may have been forgettable but the fact remains that he has not lost a fight. The only tarnish on his 30 fights was that no contest against Francisco Garcia back in 2009 due to an accidental head clash.
Also, Thurman has been known to have formidable knockout power. He is a hard puncher and if he is able to time and land a big one against Pacquiao, it could be the biggest win of his career.
