Pacquiao on Thurman: Rusty but exciting

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao ended up picking fellow WBA welterweight titlist Keith Thurman as his next opponent simply because he thinks the undefeated American’s style will blend well with his.

In a report by Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole, Pacquiao admitted that Thurman fits the bill when it comes to opponents who bring excitement to the ring.

“I liked the way he fought against Danny Garcia,” Pacquiao said. “I thought his style would match up well with mine. We are going to give the fans a great fight and an exciting night.”

Thurman outpointed the previously unbeaten Garcia two years ago to become the WBA “super” welterweight champion, and he has been in Pacquiao’s radar since.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, won the “regular” WBA 147-pound belt from Lucas Matthysse last year, putting him on a  collision course with Thurman, his stablemate at Premier Boxing Champions. 

The Pacquiao-Thurman bout, slated for July 20, was officially announced Sunday, with press conferences set to be held in New York and Los Angeles in the United States from May 20-21.

Pacquiao will ride on the momentum of his one-sided victory over Adrien Broner last January in Las Vegas, looking to continue proving that at 40 years old, he can still compete at the elite level.

He is confident he can get the job done against Thurman, who looked vulnerable in his last fight — a majority decision victory over Josesito Lopez early this year.

“I would say Keith Thurman has looked rusty in the past,” Pacquiao said. 

Nevertheless, the Filipino icon is wary of Thurman, who has yet to be beaten in 29 fights.

“I do not think that will be an issue when we fight because he has already fought once this year. I anticipate an action fight from him,” Pacquiao added.