Pacquiao Vs. Thurman: Who Won And What's Next?

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the most exciting welterweight clashes in recent boxing history: the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman showdown. This fight had it all – drama, action, and a surprising outcome that left fans buzzing. So, who emerged victorious, and what's on the horizon for both fighters? Let's break it down!

The Epic Battle: Pacquiao vs. Thurman

The Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight was a classic clash of styles and generations. Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino icon, stepped into the ring against Keith "One Time" Thurman, an undefeated, younger, and powerful champion. The fight took place on July 20, 2019, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and it was an instant classic.

From the opening bell, Pacquiao came out with incredible speed and aggression. He dropped Thurman with a quick combination in the very first round, setting the tone for a thrilling battle. Thurman, known for his toughness and resilience, weathered the early storm and began to find his rhythm, landing heavy shots of his own. The middle rounds saw both fighters trading blows, with Pacquiao showcasing his incredible stamina and Thurman displaying his power and determination. Pacquiao's constant movement and combinations were a challenge for Thurman, while Thurman's powerful punches tested Pacquiao's legendary chin. As the fight went into the later rounds, both fighters showed signs of fatigue, but neither was willing to back down. Pacquiao continued to press the action, landing more frequently and effectively. Thurman, however, remained dangerous, always looking for the opportunity to land a fight-changing punch. The final rounds were filled with back-and-forth action, with both fighters leaving it all in the ring. The crowd was on its feet, roaring with every punch landed. When the final bell rang, it was clear that the fight was close and could go either way.

The Verdict: Who Won?

After 12 grueling rounds, the judges rendered their decision: a split decision victory for Manny Pacquiao! The scorecards read 115-112 for Pacquiao, 114-113 for Thurman, and 115-112 for Pacquiao. The victory was a historic moment for Pacquiao, making him the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history at the age of 40. It was a testament to his incredible dedication, skill, and enduring passion for the sport. For Thurman, it was his first professional defeat, but he took the loss with grace, acknowledging Pacquiao's superior performance. Despite the loss, Thurman's stock didn't fall significantly, as he proved his toughness and ability to compete at the highest level.

Key Moments and Highlights

  • Round 1 Knockdown: Pacquiao's quick knockdown in the first round set the tone for the fight and immediately put Thurman on the defensive.
  • Thurman's Resilience: Despite being hurt early, Thurman showed incredible toughness and battled back, landing heavy shots and making the fight competitive.
  • Pacquiao's Activity: Pacquiao's constant movement and high punch output were key to his victory, as he outworked Thurman throughout the fight.
  • Close Decision: The split decision reflected the closeness of the fight, with both fighters having their moments of success.

What's Next for Manny Pacquiao?

Following his victory over Thurman, the boxing world was eager to know what Manny Pacquiao would do next. At 40 years old, many wondered if he would retire, but Pacquiao made it clear that he had no plans to hang up his gloves just yet. Several potential opponents were discussed, including rematches with past rivals and matchups against other top welterweights.

Potential Opponents

  • Errol Spence Jr.: A fight against the undefeated Errol Spence Jr., who was considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, was highly anticipated. However, negotiations never materialized, and Spence went on to face other opponents.
  • Shawn Porter: Another potential opponent was Shawn Porter, a former welterweight champion known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure. A fight between Pacquiao and Porter would have been a guaranteed action fight.
  • Mikey Garcia: There were also talks of a potential fight against Mikey Garcia, a multi-division champion known for his boxing skills and punching power. However, this fight also failed to come to fruition.

Pacquiao's Subsequent Career

After the Thurman fight, Pacquiao continued to compete at a high level. He faced and defeated Keith Thurman to win the WBA (Super) welterweight title. However, he eventually lost to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. After the loss to Ugas, Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing to focus on his political career in the Philippines. Pacquiao's post-Thurman career was a testament to his enduring skills and competitiveness, even as he approached his mid-40s. His decision to retire marked the end of an era, as one of the greatest boxers of all time hung up his gloves.

What's Next for Keith Thurman?

For Keith Thurman, the loss to Pacquiao was a setback, but it was not the end of his career. He took some time off to recover and reassess his future in the sport. Thurman made it clear that he was determined to return to the top of the welterweight division and reclaim his status as a champion.

Thurman's Comeback

Thurman's comeback was marked by a renewed focus on his training and conditioning. He worked to improve his skills and address some of the weaknesses that were exposed in the Pacquiao fight. He aimed to prove that he was still a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. He has since fought a few fights, working his way back into contention.

Potential Future Matchups

  • Rematch with Pacquiao: A rematch with Pacquiao was always a possibility, given the close and competitive nature of their first fight. Thurman expressed interest in a second fight, believing that he could make the necessary adjustments to defeat Pacquiao.
  • Other Top Welterweights: Thurman also set his sights on other top welterweights, including Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford, and Shawn Porter. He wanted to prove that he could compete with the best in the division and earn another title shot.

The Legacy of Pacquiao vs. Thurman

The Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight will be remembered as a classic battle between two of the best welterweights of their era. It was a fight that showcased Pacquiao's incredible longevity and skill, as well as Thurman's toughness and determination. The fight had a significant impact on both fighters' careers and the welterweight division as a whole.

Impact on Pacquiao's Career

The victory over Thurman solidified Pacquiao's legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. It proved that he could still compete at the highest level, even at the age of 40. The win also boosted his popularity and marketability, leading to more high-profile fights and opportunities.

Impact on Thurman's Career

For Thurman, the loss to Pacquiao was a learning experience. It forced him to re-evaluate his training and approach to the sport. While it was a setback, it also motivated him to work harder and come back stronger. Thurman's resilience and determination in the face of defeat earned him respect from fans and fellow fighters alike.

In conclusion, the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman fight was an unforgettable event that will be talked about for years to come. Pacquiao's victory was a testament to his enduring greatness, while Thurman's performance showed his heart and determination. Both fighters have left a lasting impact on the sport of boxing, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations. So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive look at the Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight and what came next. Hope you enjoyed the breakdown!