Saturday night we will see a clash against the humble veteran in Manny Pacquiao, against the brash, confident, and undefeated Keith Thurman. This is a marquee matchup between two of the best Welterweight’s in the world. Pacquiao is out to add another belt to his long list of achievements and further cement his legacy as one of the best boxers of all time. While Thurman is looking to show he is the new, undisputed king of the Welterweight division. All the world will be watching live in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as these two battle for the WBA (Super) Welterweight championship.
Breakdown, Measurables, Tale of the Tape
Manny Pacquiao
Record: 61-7-2 (39 KO’s)
Height: 5 foot 5 & 1/2
Weight: 147 pounds
Reach: 67 inches
Stance: Southpaw
Home Country: Philippines
Keith Thurman
Record: 29-0 (22 KO’s)
Height: 5 foot 7 & 1/2
Weight: 147 pounds
Reach: 69 inches
Stance: Orthodox
Home Country: United States of America
Manny Pacquiao has aged like a fine wine in terms of boxing. It is remarkable to see him fighting an opponent of Thurman’s capability at the age of 40. The fact that he is able to manage being a professional boxer, along with his responsibilities as a politician for his home country of the Philippines is inspiring. “Pacman” has always been known for his pressure based style. He has an innate ability to walk his opponents down and punish them while keeping them on the back foot. He also implores eye popping speed, quickness, and power with his hands. He makes up for his lack of size with his heart and unwavering onslaught of attacks. Pacquiao isn’t known for being a one punch knockout artist, but he sets a pace that many of his adversaries have succumb to. He drags his opponents into the deep water until they simply cannot handle the pressure anymore. This was the case in his recent victory over Lucas Matthyssee, and his dominant performance over Adrian Broner. The biggest flaw in Pacquiao’s game has always been his defense. Thurman has actually pointed to Pacquiao having issues against Jeff Horn, who was aggressive and pressured Manny in their fight. He certainly is not bad in terms of defensive techniques, but does not put as much of an emphasis on this aspect of his fighting style. At times he can be reckless, and can put himself in danger when forcing his pressure style. This was the case several years ago when he walked into a overhand right by Juan Manuel Marquez. He also had issues in his contest with Floyd Mayweather Jr. being stuck on the outside behind Floyd’s jab. However, if Pacquiao is able to keep Thurman on the back foot, and work his pressure game he can certainly succeed in this fight. Another factor to consider in this fight is the experience of “Pacman”. He has competed at the highest level for many years, and has fought higher quality opponents than Thurman. It remains to be seen if the wear and tear of these fights will have a negative affect on Pacquiao’s performance Saturday.
Keith Thurman has been sensational ever since turning pro back in 2007. Thurman will enter this fight with the physical advantages in terms of height, size, and reach. Thurman would seem to have the power advantage based on his size advantage alone. However, his last several victories have been by way of decision. With his last finish coming by way of corner stoppage back in 2015. However, he did show his power against Shawn Porter hurting him several times during their clash in 2016. Thurman is an excellent boxer in terms of technique, and has displayed this in his previous contests. He is more invested in the boxing science, and uses this to his advantage in his fights. He showed an ability to land and avoid taking serious damage in his close fight with Danny Garcia. His defense could be the biggest factor in this fight. Thurman has shown a great ability to avoid taking major damage in most of his fights. His defense will have to be on point to handle the pressure and speed that Manny brings to the ring. Another major question how will Thurman respond if Pacquiao lands a big shot. He showed heart in the Shawn Porter fight after taking a heavy body shot in the 8th round. His heart was displayed when he was rocked by his last opponent Josesito Lopez. He took the shot like a pro and was able to eventually win by way of majority decision. Thurman was able to tune up his skills in his last fight with Lopez after being out due to injuries for over two years. Only time will tell if he is truly ready to step back into the fire with someone on the level of Manny Pacquiao. We recently saw Tyson Fury make a comeback against Deontay Wilder after a couple of tuneup fights and he performed admirably fighting to a split decision draw. This shows that boxers with elite level technique can still compete at the highest level after long times of inactivity. The final advantage on the side of Thurman is that he is in his prime. Thurman doesn’t have the miles and damage that Pacquiao does after battling for years at the top. The biggest question is if Keith Thurman is back to 100% in terms of his boxing pedigree. Is the layoff, injuries, and overall inactivity going to affect his ability to perform against an adversary like “Pacman”? This will also be by far his most pressure filled fight with national attention. Thurman has talked a big game, and will have to show up and show out in order to back it up. Thurman is motivated to prove he is the best the welterweight division has to offer, and beating Pacquiao will go along way in staking his claim.
Prediction: Manny Pacquiao via Unanimous Decision
I am picking Manny Pacquiao to win this fight by way of decision. I feel he is going to use his trademark pressure and power to slow the advances of Thurman. This style could force Thurman to be cautious which bodes well for Manny. I believe Pacquiao will also be motivated in this fight to teach the new champion a lesson. Pacquiao always seems to find a way to rise to the occasion in big time fights. He will have a difficult night in the office because Thurman is no joke and possesses a multifaceted boxing style. This fight is going to be very close in my opinion, but my heart is leaning towards “Pacman” which may be a mistake. I would not be surprised to see Thurman win this fight based on his youth, skill, and overall ability. However, I feel Pacquiao has one major win left in the tank before he decides to hang up the gloves for good.
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