Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao will enter his 71st fight on July 20 as he goes up against the undefeated, former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman.
The pair, who spoke to the media at the first press conference in New York City to promote their upcoming duel, will face off in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who defends his WBA strap on FOX PPV, says he is more motivated than ever to prove he is still one of the most feared fighters in the world.
“I’ve never been scared of a challenge,” Pacquiao said. “I’m so excited for this fight against an undefeated champion. He’s the kind of fighter that you can’t underestimate.
“His record and success gives me more motivation to work hard.
“I will make sure that I’m 100 percent and ready for this fight. We’ll find out what happens on July 20, but it’s going to be exciting.
“I like being the underdog for this fight because that gives me more focus in training.
“I’ve been careless and over-confident in some fights, but this time around it’s different. Keith Thurman is a good fighter and we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20.
“It’s a great honor for me to be fighting back in Las Vegas and on the FOX Sports pay-per-view. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s undefeated and I want to prove that at age 40 I can still beat a great fighter like Keith.
“My time is not yet over. My journey is continuing. I’m going to prove that and more on July 20 against Keith Thurman.”
During the opening presser, Thurman was the brasher fighter of the two and promised to give Pacquiao a taste of his own medicine at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Thurman also vowed to send the legend into retirement, something which Pacquiao has laughed off.
DE LA HOYA
“I’m the kind of fighter that I don’t talk too much. I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring. He can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me.
“For this fight, I will work hard. I haven’t felt this motivated and excited since the Oscar De La Hoya fight. I feel like I’m back against the best fighters in the world.
“Our focus in every fight is on the speed and footwork because those are advantages for me. We’re going to work on avoiding Keith’s offense.
“Fans should watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime showdown. We’re going to bring action and I’m confident I will be victorious.”
