Filipino Senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will aim to win another world title on July 20 against WBA champion Keith Thurman.
After missing out on a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao has now turned his attention to undefeated Thurman.
Pacquiao and Mayweather met for impromptu talks in Tokyo early last year before the latter added the 40 year-old to his own stable.
Reports intensified regarding a potential second bout as the pair stood to make huge paychecks over the summer.
Things didn’t work out as Mayweather decided against a competitive return to action following a four-year absence.
Announcing the clash during the Julian Williams v Jarrett Hurd broadcast, Showtime also confirmed Caleb Plant would make a defense of his super-middleweight crown.
“In the biggest night of boxing this year, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “Pac Man’’ Pacquaio, will take on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman.
“The fight takes place Saturday, July 20. A blockbuster showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View even,” said Showtime.
“Adding to the excitement of the evening, PBC will present two hours of boxing action. Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant makes his first title defense against unbeaten contender Mike Lee.
“Plant v Lee will be the main event of PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show. The contest taking place in the same ring where Pacquiao and Thurman will later battle for welterweight supremacy.
“Further details will be announced soon.”
LAS VEGAS
It’s expected the event will take place either at the MGM Grand or T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao will be hoping to claim a bonafide world title for the first time since losing to Jeff Horn in July 2017.
Horn took a highly controversial decision in Brisbane, Australia in what was the seventh loss of Pacquiao’s career.
‘Pacman’ begins the underdog for the first time since facing Mayweather in their initial record-breaking meeting.
