Should we go by Chris Algieri's word, Manny Pacquiao can definitely beat Keith Thurman in their upcoming fight at the MGM. Former WBO light welterweight champion Algieri approves this match-up for Pacquiao against Thurman, who at 5'7" isn't so big compared to a match up with Shawn Porter or Errol Spence Jr.
According to Algieri, Thurman is a good style for Pacquiao to defeat. The fight airs on Fox Sport Pay-Per-View on July 20.
Algieri sure does know what he's talking about, considering he has lost to Pacquiao by a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision in November 2014. In the process of winning by the scores 120-102, 119-103, and 119-103, Algieri went down six times.
It was a slaughter whichever way you wanted to look at it. To be fair to Algieri, he did make it to the full 12 rounds, so you've got to give him credit, but Pacquiao seemed to coast. Each time he knocked Algieri off, he didn't exactly put much effort into finishing him. For a lot of people, it was clear that the Filipino fighter was playing cat and mouse, and Algieri was being toyed in that fight.
"Honestly, I think Manny can win that fight," Algieri told Figthhub about the July 20th Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight. "Manny's incredible for one. It's amazing at the age he's at now, he's still beating top fighters. He's still willing to take these top fights. I was live at the [Lucas] Matthysse fight in Malaysia, and I saw Manny, and I was curious to see how the fight was going to go," Algieri added
In his early workouts, Pacquiao sure is looking to impress viewers with his amazing punching power and speed. His motivation to work hard is incredible, and he's bent on proving that.
Thurman has been making headlines lately for his relentless trash-talking, going as far as telling the media that he's sending Pacquiao into retirement. But that just motivated Pacquiao to work harder instead, possibly more than he has in years.
The 40-year-old champion sure is looking to defeat Thurman by knockout and is eager to prove that age is nothing but a number.
Thurman's last fight with Josesito Lopez made him look vulnerable, but oddsmakers will almost certainly favor him over Pacquiao. If Pacquiao can come in as the underdog and unify the WBA titles, we're looking at one of this year's more improbable sports achievements.
