MANILA – Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao is aiming for the WBA world super welterweight belt. He faces titleholder Keith Thurman of the United States this morning at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Both fighters have showed their readiness for the world championship clash. Pacquiao tipped the scales at 146.5 pounds while Thurman also has the same weight during yesterday’s weigh-in.
Pacquiao, who is fighting for the second time at 40 years old, is confident with his chances against the foul-mouthed Thurman and will be pushing for a stoppage win if opportunity presents it.
“It’s easy to say. But I don’t know if it’s easy to do in the ring,” said Pacquiao, pertaining to Thurman’s tirades. “It’s going to be an exciting fight, a once-in-a-lifetime fight with more action.”
He added: “We did our best in training. We are really in 100-percent condition — physically, mentally and, most of all, spiritually. I’m sure my opponent worked hard and trained hard. I’m expecting a good fight.”
Thurman, for his part, is determined to put an end to the career of the fighting senator. He aims to keep his boxing record unblemished.
“I’m an undefeated champion for a reason. I’m diverse, I’m well-rounded and I’m ready for anything that Manny Pacquiao is ready to throw at me,” the American champion said.
Thurman added: “He’s about to get beaten up. I get to punch a senator in the face. He’s going to feel it. And if he’s upset about it, he can do something about it. It’s called swing, swing, swing, baby.”
Pacquiao will be entering the match with 61-7-2 win-loss-draw ring record, with 39 stoppage wins, while Thurman has a perfect 29-0-0 boxing record, with 22 stoppage wins.
The Pacquiao-Thurman clash will be shown on a slightly-delayed basis starting at 10 a.m. at ABS-CBN Channel 2 with immediate replay at ABS CBN S+A at 3 p.m.
A live blow-by-blow coverage of the bout will be heard at DZMM AM radio./PN
