Pacquiao Faces Tall Odds With One Time Unpredictable Opponent

While most had expected Manny Pacquiao to decide on who he will face next after the May 13 elections in the Philippines, promoters went ahead and revealed that the eight-time division champion will face Keith "One Time" Thurman on July 20 in a World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight showdown. The venue of the fight has yet to be announced.

Thurman loomed as the logical choice seeing that he is undefeated. The only blemish in One Time's record is that no-contest fight against Francisco Garcia back in 2009. Both fighters were unable to continue because of an accidental headbutt in the first-round, Boxstat.co reported. However, the 30-year-old pug cannot afford to take the Filipino boxing icon lightly. Even at 40, he has shown that he still has the speed and power to keep in step with younger boxers.

In a report from Manila Bulletin Sports, the announcement was made Saturday via Fox television broadcast partner Premier Boxing Champions during a fight card. Thurman will try to redeem himself after drawing criticism for a lackluster outing against Josesito Lopez last January. It was Thurman's first fight after two years, hacking out a majority decision win to retain the WBA Super Welterweight title at the Barclays Center in New York City.

Pacquiao is not expected to take Thurman lightly. After the May 13 elections, the Pac-Man is expected to buckle down to work with his team and undergo rigid preparations against Thurman who remains a dangerous foe.

After being lashed out for his preparations, Thurman is also being advised to prepare for the inevitable. Age may be on his side but the fact remains that he faces someone who can be dangerous if he is ill-prepared, Forbes.com reported. One critical part of One Time's preparation is choosing wisely the correct sparring partner who is also a southpaw and at the same height as Pacquiao.

If his last fight is to be made a reference, Thurman will be in for a long night against Pacquiao. He had difficulty fending off Lopez in January and there were times when he found himself in trouble. Against the future boxing Hall of Famer, Thurman cannot afford to make mistakes. One miscalculation could cost him the fight.

This early, betting odds are in favor of Thurman over Pacquiao. Age is understandably one of the factors although the numbers are expected to change in the coming months leading to the fight. According to oddschecker.com, Pacquiao is +100 while Thurman is -145 as of this writing.