After 22 months away, Keith Thurman made his return to the boxing ring. While rusty, he took care of Josesito Lopez in January via majority decision. Now, “One Time” has his eyes set on Manny Pacquiao.<\/p>\n
Thurman (29-0, 1NC) will be defending his WBA (Super) Welterweight Title against Pacquiao (61-7-2) inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20. The latter is on a two-fight win streak, and 4-1 in his last five fights. While he could have waited for the Pacquiao fight, Thurman believes he is prepared for the bout.<\/p>\n
“I am back on the big stage, I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my talent and skill with a legend in the sport. It’s a big ‘get back’ year for me,”<\/em> said Thurman during media workouts. “I tried to tell everyone that and this is what it’s like when champions get back to performing like world class champions. No excuses. I want to be the best Keith Thurman I can be, and we set up a camp where we can bring out the best in me, for myself, for the fight and for the fight fans.”<\/em><\/p>\n Fight fans, you tell me: Is Thurman truly ready for Manny Pacquiao?<\/p>\n Although Pacquiao is older and nearing the end of his career, he is not an opponent to be taken lightly. After losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, Pacquiao went on that 4-1 run. He arguably should have won the fight against Jeff Horn in Australia of all places. That was the best he’s looked in quite some time. The fight against Adrien Broner, while not competitive in the slightest, still showed how durable he is.<\/p>\n Thurman may have the age and maybe even the strength advantage, but Pacquiao’s consistent time inside the ring blows Thurman out of the water. Add on the fact he was extremely rusty against Lopez and that spells disaster.<\/p>\n