Manny Pacquiao Wins Split Decision Over Thurman; Next Challenger Already Eyeing Superfight

Manny Pacquiao has won via split decision over Keith Thurman, and his next challenger may already be gearing up for a bout.

In the early going, the legend already hyped up the crowd as Pacquiao scored a knockdown in the very first round after landing a hard body shot followed by a straight right hand.

After the opening round, both fighters took their time to gauge each other. But between the two, Pacquiao has landed more jabs and appeared to be the more active fighter until the 5th round.

Pacquiao continued to land more shots and combinations until Round 6 in which Pacquiao chased the young champ and connected with a powerful jab that backs Thurman up to keep leading in the scorecards for the whole first half of the fight.

Before the start of the round 7, Thurman's corner instructed him to "be aggressive." The young champ may have finally adjusted to Pacquiao's game and connected a right hand jab that backs Pacquiao up. Thurman and Pacquiao had a good exchange but Thurman landed another shot which made the legend smile before the round ends.

Rounds 8 and 9 were won by Pacquiao as the champ displayed tremendous footwork and unloaded a left hand straight and an uppercut which shook Thurman up.

Pacquiao connected with a devastating body shot that slowed down Thurman and as the round closes, the younger fighter evidently struggled to catch breath which could be the aftermath of the body shot.

Both fighters continued to put on a great slugfest during the championship rounds and even though Thurman has connected some good jabs, the older champ Pacquiao has maintained control until the end of the fight.

After 12 rounds of hard fought boxing, the Filipino legend managed to convince the two of three judges and finally added another win on his stellar record as he won via split decision.

Pacquiao handed Thurman his first loss and during his post-fight interview, the 30-year-old fighter accepted his defeat and commended Pacquiao's performance.

According to Thurman, Pacquiao was the better fighter and he believes that the icon deserves the decision.

Meanwhile, a former opponent of Thurman seems to make his pitch as the next challenger of Pacquiao. During the Pacquiao-Thurman weigh-ins, Danny Garicia has already stated that he doesn't care who looks stronger between the two, and all he cares about is "the winner" of the fight.

It is now up to Pacquiao-Thurman if he will go for Garcia or still root for a Mayweather rematch.