There are a lot of rumors among boxing insiders claiming that Keith Thurman was handpicked for Manny Pacquiao's next fight. Thurman had a below average performance during his last match, and he was picked because of this. Nevertheless, Pacquiao is still confident that this was not the case and that he can defeat Thurman even if the latter is in his best shape.
Thurman did win his last bout against Josesito Lopez. However, he did dominate the fight and there are some instances where he appeared to be visibly shaken by the relentless attacks of Lopez. Thurman promised that he had worked on his weaknesses and will be fully prepared for Pacquiao come there July 20 fight.
Whatever the case may be, the two fighters are set for an epic clash in MGM Grand in Las Vegas as the younger boxer puts his welterweight title on the line. Whoever comes out on top will be crowned as the consolidated winner.
In a recent media appearance, Pacquiao said, "I didn't select him as an opponent just because of his performance in that fight. He was off for two years. This fight I'm sure, he will be in 100 percent physical condition."
It is important to note here that Thurman did went on a two year fighting hiatus before his bout with Lopez. In fact he did admit that he felt quite new to the sport when he went back on the ring after two years. Nevertheless, he promised that he will be on his full condition once he faces Pacquiao.
Thurman has an undefeated record of 29 wins, 22 of these wins came by way of knockout. He does have a lot of potential, and on top of that, he is much younger than the 40-year-old Pacquiao. While he does have the physical abilities, what he does lack is experience. Pacquiao, despite on the older side, has a total 70 fights under his belt. He won 61 of these fights, and 39 of them came by way of a knockout. That is a lot of experience to learn from.
The public does seem to side with Pacquiao as he has the upper hand in a number of betting outlets. Thurman, despite being the underdog, promised a great fight for the audience. He might be young and lacks the necessary experience, but what he does have is a wealth of skill and abilities. Whatever the outcome is, the fight will surely be one for the history books.
