Interests for a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch were renewed when current WBA champion Manny Pacquiao won against Adrien Broner last January and openly called for another face off.
While fans may not be getting the desired bout, he is slated to face Keith Thurman this July. The outcome of this upcoming match can be a major indicator if the elusive rematch is still within reach.
With the welterweight division being one of the most talent-packed weight classes, the bout between two WBA champions looks promising on paper. Currently standing at a record of 29-0, with 22 wins via knock out, Thurman has the body, speed and punching power to overpower opponents. Even after taking a two-year break from the sport due to injuries on his elbow and wrist, the 30-year old boxer sported a victory over Joselito Lopez a week after Pacquiao's unanimous decision victory over Broner.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, seems to be entering this bout as the underdog, with the odds stacked against the Filipino boxing legend. Aside from the 10-year age difference, 'Pac-Man' has not proven himself to be the same destructive force as he once was. Based on his last seven wins, only one came in a way of knockout. However, the eight-division world champion could still score a win, as 'The One' has shown weakness when it comes to taking in body shots, according to Forbes.
A big risk 'Pac-Man' is gambling on this match is that if he loses against the WBA 'Super' champion, it will turn down all hopes for a rematch with Mayweather. The loss will essentially end all talks for this possible moneymaker, and proving that Pacquiao does not have what it takes to take on the undefeated boxer.
For Thurman, however, this could be a great stepping stone for his return and possible retirement. Winning against Pacquiao will place him in an advantageous position to take on the current IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. later on the year, Off the Ball reports.
Arrangements for a possible Spence vs Terrence Crawford clash has been going on for some time, however no final word has been made. Spence, who recently got a unanimous decision win against Mikey Garcia last March, and Crawford, who recently defended his WBO title against Amir Khan, are among the top names on the welterweight division, and the 50/50 split that promoter Bob Arum has offered for the match to happen has not swayed a deal.
You May Also Like:
- Keith Thurman Warned, Pacquiao Can Still Power Way To Victory
- Danny Garcia Feels He Is Manny Pacquiao's Next Fight
