Keith Thurman Recalls Manny Pacquiao’s Power: ‘I Could Handle It, It Wasn’t Devastating’

Manny Pacquiao successfully became the first person to outpoint Keith Thurman in a professional boxing bout in 2019. Although several people had backed Thurman to win, ‘Pac-Man’ unveiled a lopsided dominance that got his hands raised in a split decision victory. It has been almost two years since that fight and neither Thurman nor Pacquiao has fought till now.

However, ‘One Time’ appears to have made a few notes from that fight. The former world champion has recently looked back at the night to compare Manny Pacquiao’s power with a few of his other A-listed opponents. Although he didn’t put ‘Pac-Man’ on the top slot, Thurman still seemed eager to know the reason behind Pacquiao’s impeccable strength.

In a chat with FightHype.com. Keith Thurman said, “After the fight, I constantly was thinking, why did his fist felt like a rock? It was like awkward.”

He added, “I could handle it, it wasn’t devastating, didn’t really feel like plaster, but it felt like something, felt like a rock.”  

Manny Pacquiao is all set to return in action, whereas Keith Thurman is still on the sidelines. That said, Pacquiao will come back against WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in a 12-rounds headliner on August 21. While the 42-year-old could have happily retired from boxing by now, Manny Pacquiao is still going after the bigger challenges.

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He appeared in 2019 last and took out Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman back-to-back to get hold of the WBA welterweight championship belt. However, inactivity cost him the belt, and Pacquiao now needs to fight once again to become a world titlist.

Can Manny Pacquiao beat Errol Spence Jr.?

Boasting off a record of 62-7-2, Manny ‘Pac-Man’ Pacquiao is one of the greatest boxers to have ever competed at the professional level. He has seen four different decades as a pugilist and has vast experience. Furthermore, Pacquiao’s footwork, pace, jab, and strength turn him even treacherous inside the ring. Hence, despite his age, the eight-division world champion cannot be counted out ahead of a bout.

However, Errol Spence Jr. is an undefeated champion and has appeared flawless so far. Meanwhile, he is much younger than Pacquiao and had his last fight in December 2020, where he outclassed Danny Garcia. Furthermore, against a legend like ‘Pac-Man’ he will bring his A-game and look to enhance his legacy.

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Hence, Pacquiao can also face a tough night against ‘The Truth’. However, all these features cite a 50-50 contest that will attract the fans’ attention for all the right reasons.

Who do you see winning? Manny Pacquiao or Errol Spence Jr.?