Thurman Versus Pacquiao: Can Thurman Turn The Odds And Knock Pacquiao Out?

WBA “super” welterweight champion Keith Thurman said he's excited to knock down boxer extraordinaire, Manny Pacquiao. Speaking in an interview with “Inside PBC Boxing,” the undefeated champion is curious to know if the Pacman will turn out to be his toughest opponent to date.

Since the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman: Welterweight Supremacy was announced, the outspoken Thurman has insisted that he's going to knock Manny out. Statistically, he may have his chance, but it would be difficult considering he is facing one of the fastest and quickest boxers of all time.

Thurman's numbers don't lie -- 29 wins, zero losses, 22 wins coming from knockouts. But he had shown signs of weakness against faster fighters when he struggled against Josesito López in January.

It'll be interesting to see what his corner comes up with especially with Pacquiao's improved speed and footwork. The American boxer even said that, he'd "crucify" the eight-division world champion and bet $10,000 on himself to add salt to the injury.

Filipino boxing referee Danrex Tapsadan disagrees. The referee said that despite Thurman's "swagger," it would be better if he takes caution against Manny. He thinks that while the American would undoubtedly go for the knockout, he wouldn't make a mistake of being too aggressive or he'll get knocked out himself.

Tapdasan added that Manny has evolved into a smart fighter, "the key for him is to outbox Manny Pacquiao, outpoint him.”

In his last six matches, Thurman seems to have lost his steam; he won 5 of his six fights on the judges scorecards. If that's the case, he will have to step up if he plans to defeat a boxer that others have described as a "blur."

Local fight commentator Ed Tolentino added that Manny would "pressure Thurman the way he did against Adrien Broner." The Filipino boxer outboxed the more prominent and burlier Broner on a one-sided slugfest dominated by power punches and quick jabs.

If Thurman decides to go toe to toe with Pacman, then it will be the end of it, quipped the commentator. The American champion does have a height and reach advantage; it will be interesting to see how he'll utilize the distance. Fighting Pacquiao inside would be a bad idea, according to many boxing experts.

Kieth Thurman will be defending his WBA “super” welterweight title against Manny Pacquiao on July 20 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Win or lose, it will surely be an exciting match.