MANILA, Philippines – For the second time this year, the Pride of the Philippines and the only boxer who had 8 titles in 8 different divisions, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will try to showcase his strength and speed against the younger, dangerous and undefeated American fighter, Keith “One Time” Thurman for the unified WBA Welterweight title on Sunday, July 21, 2019 (Philippine Time) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Coming from an outstanding performance in January against Adrienne Bronner, the 40-year old Pacquiao proved that age is just a number after outboxing and schooling the cocky American. In contrast, Thurman and in the same month, had a hard time beating Joselito Lopez where the latter almost knocked out “One Time” in round 7.
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When it comes to dissecting both boxers’ abilities, speed and power will be the major factors that the fans should carefully look for.
Let’s talk about Power first.
More than a decade ago, Manny Pacquiao obviously had this under his name. Combined with speed, Pacquiao has retired numbers of great legends with his hefty and boulder-solid left hand that includes Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Antonio Margarito and Oscar de la Hoya just to name a few.
Fast forward to 2019, Pacquiao’s power has diminished drastically. Despite that, the fighting senator is still one of the boxing elites and most sought-after fighter of this generation.
Keith Thurman, who has an immaculate record of 29-0 and 22 KOs claims his edge over Pacquiao in this aspect. Well, Thurman is just 30 years old and this is the reason why he’s powerful like Manny during his heyday. Aside from his age, his 2-inch height and reach advantages over Pacquiao add to his immense power.
His power punching ability is undeniable, the 22 KOs speaks about it. But that forte could also be his loophole in his fight against Pacquiao. He punches strong but he swings and connects slow. Unfortunately for Keith, Freddie Roach has seen this and has prepared a well-mapped game plan for sure.
Now, let’s tackle Speed.
What did David use to beat Goliath? A small stone. But, how’s it possible? Well, scientifically, the small stone must travel fast enough to make a strong impact on to something and break it. That’s what Pacquiao did to Dela Hoya and Margarito. He pummelled those giants with series of punches and evaded their power punches with blinding speed.
If Thurman hasn’t improved his speed, he’s in a bad place to be when he faces Pacquiao on the canvass. Keith hasn’t fought any boxer in his career who’s as quick as Pacman. Well, he has only fought 2 highly notable fighters in his life: Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter. No need to enumerate Manny’s previous opponents but majority of them are Hall of Famers and true legends. Ask the Golden Boy.
1:3, that’s the magic number-ratio. Thurman throws 1 hard hitter but Pacquiao will counter 3 flurries and that will bring the “senior” to a unanimous victory.
Yes, Manny Pacquiao will win by points and sorry no knockout for him as he’s in his 40’s now. Surely age is just a number but age is still a factor. Eventually, people gets weaker and that’s the way it is. It’s inevitable.
It will go full stretch, 12 rounds. But he must be careful because one solid hit to the chin or temple will surely drop him ala Pacquiao-Marquez IV.
For sure, Manny has learned his lesson the hard way after absorbing a stunning loss versus Juan Manuel Marquesz via knockout. Since then, he hasn’t kissed the canvass.
Good luck, Senator Manny Pacquiao! Defend the title!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
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| It’s on! Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman pass the 147 lbs weight limit. Photo Credit: Philstar |
Coming from an outstanding performance in January against Adrienne Bronner, the 40-year old Pacquiao proved that age is just a number after outboxing and schooling the cocky American. In contrast, Thurman and in the same month, had a hard time beating Joselito Lopez where the latter almost knocked out “One Time” in round 7.
RELATED STORIES
- Mannny Pacquiao wins, clinches Keith Thurman’s WBA “super” welterweight title
- Pacquiao vs Thurman Fight: time, livestream, how to watch in the Philippines
- Pacquiao vs.Thurman: live updates, round by round scores and results
When it comes to dissecting both boxers’ abilities, speed and power will be the major factors that the fans should carefully look for.
Let’s talk about Power first.
More than a decade ago, Manny Pacquiao obviously had this under his name. Combined with speed, Pacquiao has retired numbers of great legends with his hefty and boulder-solid left hand that includes Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Antonio Margarito and Oscar de la Hoya just to name a few.
Fast forward to 2019, Pacquiao’s power has diminished drastically. Despite that, the fighting senator is still one of the boxing elites and most sought-after fighter of this generation.
Keith Thurman, who has an immaculate record of 29-0 and 22 KOs claims his edge over Pacquiao in this aspect. Well, Thurman is just 30 years old and this is the reason why he’s powerful like Manny during his heyday. Aside from his age, his 2-inch height and reach advantages over Pacquiao add to his immense power.
His power punching ability is undeniable, the 22 KOs speaks about it. But that forte could also be his loophole in his fight against Pacquiao. He punches strong but he swings and connects slow. Unfortunately for Keith, Freddie Roach has seen this and has prepared a well-mapped game plan for sure.
Now, let’s tackle Speed.
What did David use to beat Goliath? A small stone. But, how’s it possible? Well, scientifically, the small stone must travel fast enough to make a strong impact on to something and break it. That’s what Pacquiao did to Dela Hoya and Margarito. He pummelled those giants with series of punches and evaded their power punches with blinding speed.
If Thurman hasn’t improved his speed, he’s in a bad place to be when he faces Pacquiao on the canvass. Keith hasn’t fought any boxer in his career who’s as quick as Pacman. Well, he has only fought 2 highly notable fighters in his life: Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter. No need to enumerate Manny’s previous opponents but majority of them are Hall of Famers and true legends. Ask the Golden Boy.
1:3, that’s the magic number-ratio. Thurman throws 1 hard hitter but Pacquiao will counter 3 flurries and that will bring the “senior” to a unanimous victory.
Yes, Manny Pacquiao will win by points and sorry no knockout for him as he’s in his 40’s now. Surely age is just a number but age is still a factor. Eventually, people gets weaker and that’s the way it is. It’s inevitable.
It will go full stretch, 12 rounds. But he must be careful because one solid hit to the chin or temple will surely drop him ala Pacquiao-Marquez IV.
For sure, Manny has learned his lesson the hard way after absorbing a stunning loss versus Juan Manuel Marquesz via knockout. Since then, he hasn’t kissed the canvass.
Good luck, Senator Manny Pacquiao! Defend the title!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
