Pacquiao vs Thurman is all set to be the biggest boxing bout of 2019. Given that two of the biggest names in the world of boxing are taking part in it, it is expected to have millions of eyes glued on to it as Manny Pacquiao gears up to face off against Keith Thurman. Over the months, there were many speculations about the match – however, it is now official and the press tours have begun as well.
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Let us take a closer look at Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman – and what the match between the two means. We also take a look at other names that were being pitted for these two, as well as what a win or loss might mean for them.
Pacquiao vs Mayweather Not Happening Led to Thurman
It is impossible to talk about Pacquiao vs Thurman without talking about Pacquiao’s biggest rival so far – Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. Reportedly, Mayweather vs Pacquiao II was close to happening and the two men were expected to hit the ring once again, but it appears that the deal fell through at the last moment and we never got to see that match.
However, Pacquiao then found a new opponent in the form of Keith Thurman, who is arguably the hottest name in boxing right now. The undefeated Thurman has a 29 match winning streak – and he plans to make Pacquiao his 30th victim. However, a win over Thurman could give the Pacman bragging rights to challenge Mayweather once again.
Pacquiao vs Thurman: Betting Odds
The betting odds for this match continue to flip-flop over the weeks. Initially, when the match was announced, the odds were heavily in favor of the undefeated Keith Thurman. However, the odds have since shifted towards favoring the veteran Manny Pacquiao.
This match between the two is going to be quite important as Pacquiao is currently the WBA Welterweight Champion while Thurman is the WBA (Super) World Welterweight Champion. The winner will unify the titles.
Nevertheless, it will be almost impossible to predict the outcome of this match until the final moment comes because both the men involved are very talented and among the hottest names in the business. The match is going down the wire, but if you ask for the odds, it is expected that the momentum will once again pip in the favor of Thurman towards the end.
Will Manny Pacquiao’s Experience Be Enough to Counter Thurman’s Age and Agility?
The primary battle in this match between Pacquiao vs Thurman is that of the Pacman’s experience and veteran’s instinct versus the youth and agility of Keith Thurman. Given that Manny Pacquiao boxes only sporadically these days, some consider him at a disadvantage. Moreover, Thurman is 10 years younger to him and at the prime of his boxing career.
Nevertheless, the fire still burns for Pacquiao – as people close to him have told the media that he has been training rather rigorously and this is a rare occasion where Pacquiao has been seen ‘badmouthing’ his opponent. The trash talk is indeed getting to Pacquiao’s nerves. Pacquiao got a Thurman ‘clone’ from Australia who has a physique as well as boxing style similar to him and the two have been sparring regularly. It will be interesting to see if Manny Pacquiao’s technique helps him beat Keith Thurman.
Does a Loss Mean Retirement for The Pacman?
Manny Pacquiao, who is now serving as a senator in The Philippines, is no longer a full-time boxer. He knows that he is sailing on two boats and he knows that his time as a boxer is approaching an end. However, he doesn’t want to overstay his welcome – a loss against Thurman would probably mean he is no longer as good as he used to be, and it would give him a serious consideration to retire for good.
Thurman, on the other hand, has been talking trash during the press tours of the Pacquiao vs Thurman match, claiming that he is going to be the one who retires the legendary Manny Pacquiao. It will be of note to see if the Pacman indeed retires after this match.
Pacquiao vs Thurman: the MMA Angle
Another interesting fact here is that there is a strong MMA angle to this fight. Manny Pacquiao wants to fight Floyd Mayweather, interestingly, Mayweather has another suitor in the name of Conor McGregor. On a rather interesting note, Keith Thurman has now invited McGregor to a boxing match as well.
McGregor, one of the biggest stars in the UFC, has been known for calling out people on Twitter. Earlier in June, he called out Floyd ‘The Money’ Mayweather and asked him for a rematch. While he didn’t get a reply from Mayweather, he got called out by Thurman. One can only wonder if a win for Keith Thurman in the Pacquiao vs Thurman match means that he will face McGregor next? McGregor too, is expected to get back to the UFC by late-2019 – so if a match has to happen, it will happen in Fall 2019! Stay tuned!
When is Pacquiao vs Thurman?
Pacquiao vs Thurman is all set to take place on the 20th of July. The location where the bout will take place is the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This is a venue familiar to both the men. However, it is even special for Pacquiao – not only has he fought and won here several times, but he also made his debut in the US at MGM Grand back in 2001! Tickets for the event went on sale on the 20th of May and range between $100 to $1500.
How to Watch Pacquiao vs Thurman Online?
Those watching the match on TV will have to watch it on Fox PPV – Thurman has a contract with Fox and all his matches are aired on the Fox platform only. For those looking forward to watch Pacquiao vs Thurman online, you can watch the match on FoxSports website.
For those wondering about the cost, Pacquiao vs Broner was charged at $74.99 – and given that the stakes are higher here, this match might as well be charged as high as $79.99
