Keith Thurman is in no doubt about the outcome when the American takes on living legend Manny Pacquiao on July 20 in Las Vegas.
The 30-year-old Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) is the longest reigning welterweight champion in boxing. He collected his WBA title with a stoppage victory over Diego Chaves in 2013.
Thurman has successfully defended that title eight times. He became a unified welterweight champion when he defeated Danny Garcia by split decision to win the WBC title.
Plagued by a litany of injuries, including bone chips in his right elbow that had to be surgically removed, Thurman was out of action for nearly two years. He got back into the ring with a hard fought victory against Josesito Lopez in January on FOX.
Having taken up the sport when he was in grade school, the Clearwater, Florida native blossomed under the tutelage of his first trainer, Ben Getty, He became an outstanding amateur.
Though Getty has passed away, Thurman still carries those boxing and life lessons with him whenever he steps into the ring with his current longtime trainer Dan Birmingham. His power punching earned him the nickname “One Time.”
Possessing speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in his recent ring appearances.
This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to get a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Thurman. “The right circumstances have aligned for it to happen now. I’m grateful for that.
“Me and my team are looking forward to it. It’s going to be an honor to be in the ring with Manny Pacquiao. It’s going to be fun to go back to MGM Grand in my first pay-per-view with FOX Sports.
“I believe that Ben Getty would be very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. He said I’d be able to dominate the welterweight division. He also said I’d be a multi-million-dollar fighter and a star in the sport.
PACMAN
“Manny Pacquiao is beatable. He’s been beaten before in his career. He’s a fan favorite and a legend.
“For me his boxing tactics are predictable. He fights in spurts and you have to take advantage of that. You have to be respectful of his power.
“But I believe my movement, athleticism and ring knowledge will be able to present him something he’s not seen in all his years of boxing.”
