Fresh from an impressive win, Manny Pacquiao is gunning to score another victory that likely will materialize on July 20, when he clashes with Keith Thurman, whose professional campaign on the ring remains unblemished. If the game plan unfolds as designed, the fighting legislator will be forever etched in Thurman's memory.
Last January, the Pacman outpunched Adrien Broner to retain his world title and his sight is now set on the American fighter, who has amassed 29 wins in as many battles. Described by boxing pundits as a talented knockout artist with a fist that packs sheer power, the Florida native is the slight favorite. He sways analysts to his side thanks to a record that shows 22 knockdowns. And he is 10 years younger so presumably, he is faster and has better endurance.
Pacquiao, however, is clearly undaunted. Even as online news site Rappler reported that his foe is a slight favorite, the Filipino champ declared he is in an exact position where he wants to be. The senator reminded that when he fought Oscar De La Hoya, he was the underdog. If he's in the same situation now, it doesn't bother him all.
"Beautiful. That's what I want ... It's going to be an added motivation," Pacquiao told Rappler.
His mental state entrenched on solid grounds, Pacquiao is even more concerned on preparing for the fight, which he does religiously both on the physical and spiritual sense. Team Pacquiao, in fact, has already plotted the training regime that will be implemented by chief trainer Buboy Fernandez and conditioning coach Justin Fortune.
The build-up to get Pacquiao into tip-top condition is now on, according to the Manila Bulletin, and the fighter is again counting on an old friend to give a helping hand. Team Pacquiao has confirmed that Wild Card's Freddie Roach will be on hand for the duration of the training camp.
Like in his previous fights, Pacquiao will initially train at home then head to the United States for the last phase of training. Where in the Philippines and the U.S. will set up camps has yet to be finalized, and the same goes for the choice of sparring partners.
Unsurprisingly, the last word on these matters will come from Pacquiao, the same report stated.
In the same way, Pacquiao has already mapped out the road to take after his bout with Thurman, which will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It will only be big fights for the lawmaker, in keeping with the world champion's stature and his recently inked contract with a new promoter.
Boxing analysts have been saying: Pacquiao is nearing the end of the road but the relentless Pacman begs to disagree. His upcoming fight with Thurman, certainly a fighter par excellence, strongly indicates that things are still looking up, as far as his corner is concerned.
