On Saturday July 20 2019, MGM Grand in Las Vegas will see WBA welterweight titleholder Keith Thurman square it off against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao, and already the two technical handlers are bullishly optimistic of victory.
“Manny loves beating undefeated fighters, especially the younger ones. Heck, at this stage of the game, everyone Manny faces is younger. But that makes it fun for Manny.”
“And when Manny is having fun, his opponents had better watch out.” Expressed the 59-year-old trainer, Freddie Roach, currently overseeing Manny Pacquiao.
On the other hand, Dan Birmingham, coach of Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman’ warns Freddie Roach to be careful what he wishes for.
“Freddie Roach is going to lose a lot of money. When the fight is over Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman’s hands will be raised. Keith is going to win this fight and win it in fine fashion.” Bermingham said.
“Manny knows Keith’s a puncher, and that he brings youth and experience like Manny does. But Keith wants to fight, he’s anxious to fight, and he’s got someone to fight for besides himself.” Dan Birmingham stated emphatically.
Truth be told, the 30 year old American Keith Thurman (29-0-0, 22 KOs) has the slight advantage over the 40 year old Filipino boxer-senator Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) ahead of their hugely anticipated bout.
But the experienced, and most widely regarded as one of the best boxing trainers, Freddie Roach is adamant, insist that Thurman is beatable and not in the calibre of the unbeatables.
“I wouldn’t fight Errol Spence,” Roach said. “I wouldn’t fight [Terence] Crawford. I think they are dangerous fights at this time. And Thurman. They’re all beatable on a good night for Manny, but you can’t really count on having a good night every time at 40 years old.” Roach stated.
For some, Keith Thurman’s power, ferociousness and tenacity will be a problem for Manny Pacquiao but others have the belief that Thurman is easily beatable.