Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman - July 20, 2019

[Ricky]

After beating Porter and Garcia back to back, he wasn’t overrated. He was rated as THE BEST WW, which was true at the time. The 2 year lay off didn’t help and no one really rates him in top 3-5 WW anymore. He has a lot of making up to do. He isn’t shot for shît.

He was never the best. Massively overrated runner.

[Ruthless-RKO]

You could argue that both of those fights could've been a draw. Kell Brook beat Porter more convincingly than Thurman did.

I don’t think many will agree with that statement about Brook and Porter.

[Onekrazyrican]

Careful match making is a must at this stage for Pac. I see people talking about him scoring a KO. 2019 Manny only gets a legit KO if someone is dumb enough to come storming at him or just stands there with his chin hanging out.

His work rate is good enough to get a points win against a gun shy Broner and he might be up to par with a Thurman or a Danny Garcia for an entertaining scrap but hes not stopping anyone at the top of the division. Specially Thurman who knows how to use the ring.

[Ruthless-RKO]

The timing of the Pacquiao fight would allow Thurman to box a third time before 2019 ends. The WBA “super” welterweight champion doesn’t plan to do that, though, no matter what happens when he opposes Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“A third time this year?,” Thurman asked after a press conference Tuesday at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. “No sir, no sir. We get this job done, shoot, we’ve gotta relax. You know? I’m very happy to stay active and I would love to continue to perform twice a year, instead of the slow rolling that I was doing when I was champion, when I fought Shawn [Porter] for once that year [in 2016] and I waited for the Danny [Garcia] fight. I could stay busy, you know? It depends on how I feel, but I’m not projecting a third fight this year. No, sir.”

“There is no plans past Pacquiao,” Thurman said. “Get this fight in, perform, have the best camp of my life, living my best life, be the best Keith Thurman I can be. And we’ll just go from there – one fight at a time. We are not looking past Manny Pacquiao, not for one second.”

[Best Coast]

Just listened to an interview with Thurman on Fox Sports Radio and he sounded very confident. Said he would KO Pac but I see him winning a competitive but clearcut decision.

[lazboy]

The timing of the Pacquiao fight would allow Thurman to box a third time before 2019 ends. The WBA “super” welterweight champion doesn’t plan to do that, though, no matter what happens when he opposes Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“A third time this year?,” Thurman asked after a press conference Tuesday at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. “No sir, no sir. We get this job done, shoot, we’ve gotta relax. You know? I’m very happy to stay active and I would love to continue to perform twice a year, instead of the slow rolling that I was doing when I was champion, when I fought Shawn [Porter] for once that year [in 2016] and I waited for the Danny [Garcia] fight. I could stay busy, you know? It depends on how I feel, but I’m not projecting a third fight this year. No, sir.”

“There is no plans past Pacquiao,” Thurman said. “Get this fight in, perform, have the best camp of my life, living my best life, be the best Keith Thurman I can be. And we’ll just go from there – one fight at a time. We are not looking past Manny Pacquiao, not for one second.”

No desire at all to fight for a third time this year, not even a chance. It’s his job and salary. He won’t be young forever. That’s a really concerning attitude given the time he’s already taken off.

[Ruthless-RKO]

No desire at all to fight for a third time this year, not even a chance. It’s his job and salary. He won’t be young forever. That’s a really concerning attitude given the time he’s already taken off.

Shame really eh?

2 years out of his prime. He has been paid decent money in his career I believe, but has never tasted PPV money. I have a feeling his guaranteed purse will be around $7m - $10m. His highest of course.

Hopefully he's invested well.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Thurman: If Pacquiao Wins, I'd Probably Retire - Bow Down

Keith Thurman vowed to send Manny Pacquiao into retirement after the two welterweights clash July 20 for a Fox pay-per-view event at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Thurman wants to do what Pacquiao did to Oscar De La Hoya in 2008. Pacquiao knocked out the legendary fighter in eight rounds and went on to have a legendary career of his own. De La Hoya never fought again and became a promoter.

Thurman envisions a similar outcome with him catapulting into superstardom and Pacquiao disappearing from the fight game. But what happens if the 40-year-old fighter defeats Thurman?

Thurman said Wednesday he would consider retirement, and he already has a second career in mind in case he were to lose to a fighter 10 years older than him.

“Pshh … probably,” Thurman said when asked about retiring if Pacquiao beats him. “I’d at least think about it. I’d at least be like, ‘Can I do some more commentating or something? Can I do some more commentating?’ Momma said I look good in a suit. I don’t think she wants to see her boy get punched on TV. Getting beat up by an old man.”

It’s highly doubtful that Thurman would call it quits and shift toward a full-time TV analyst gig if he were to lose to Pacquiao. But after fielding the farfetched question Thurman saw an opportunity to sell the highly anticipated bout. A loser-leaves-town match might lure a few more fight fans to fork over PPV money.

Thurman was filled with many one-liners during the second leg of back-to-back news conferences at The Beverly Hills Hotel to promote the summer showdown.

“I would bow down in the middle of the ring,” Thurman added about a potential loss to Pacquiao. “I would bow down in the middle of the ring. I’ll say, ‘Oh, senator. Oh, senator. Greatest yee, oh, senator.’

“This is what you call interview bars, OK. I’m not a rapper. I’m not an actor. I’m a world class fighter. I know the fight game, OK. Blood sweat and tears for 23 years.”

Pacquiao said he’s used to facing fighters who like to rhyme and trash talk. But the Filipino senator believes that Thurman will back up his talking in the ring. He’s just not sold on this being his last fight.

“I told him I’m not Oscar De La Hoya,” said Pacquiao, who began his professional career 24 years ago when Thurman was six years old. “I’m different than (De La Hoya). The way I work hard. The way I prepare for my fight. I’m still motivated. The desire is still there 100 percent.”
----------------------

He may be just selling the fight with these type of comments. Thurman believing Pac may just beat him. Saying he retire.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Thurman: I'm Going To Kick The Sh*t Out of Pacquiao!

And as the two men came face to face at a press conference in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, Thurman vowed to make the age difference count.

"Pacquiao's last fight, Pacquiao's last fight," Thurman said, while pledging to "dismantle" the 40-year-old Filipino icon.

"I'm destroying the legend of Manny Pacquiao," Thurman said. "His legacy ends on July 20. He's had a wonderful career, and been an inspiration. We all love him and respect him. And I'm respectfully going to kick the sh*t out of him.

"This is a big fight as far as the stage. But it's a big fight against a little guy. I've dismantled veterans in the past, and throughout my career. I would have destroyed him five years ago.

"He's never fought a fighter like me with the lateral movement, speed, power. He's never fought anyone this young, strong and hungry and I'm coming for him. I know he likes to quote Bible verses so I'll let you know -- he's getting crucified."

[Bjl12]

No desire at all to fight for a third time this year, not even a chance. It’s his job and salary. He won’t be young forever. That’s a really concerning attitude given the time he’s already taken off.

Shame really eh?

2 years out of his prime. He has been paid decent money in his career I believe, but has never tasted PPV money. I have a feeling his guaranteed purse will be around $7m - $10m. His highest of course.

Hopefully he's invested well.

This is why the PBC model is not fan friendly. Pretty much all of their fighters fight 1-2 times per year. When you get older, in your 30's and such, I understand. But Porter, Thurman, Spence, Danny, Wilder, Tank, etc. They're all fighting 1-2 times per year.

People claim the PBC model is based off Floyd's success, but Floyd fought a ton in his early years. In 1998 and 1999 he fought 8-9 times total. From 2000-2005 he fought 13 times which included rotator cuff surgery and rehab...and most of those opponents were better quality than: Josesito Lopez, Ugas, Collazo, Granados, Ocampo, etc.

All in all it's really disappointing.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Efe Ajagba vs. Ali Eren Demirezen on Pacquiao-Thurman Card

Rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba will square off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The 10-round heavyweight attraction will feature two 2016 Olympians putting their unbeaten records on the line as they look to make a statement in the red-hot division. FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb "Sweethands" Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee.

[Ruthless-RKO]

http://boxrec.com/en/event/788305


Only 4 fights listed here. Am sure there is another. Apart from the Ajagba’s

[Ruthless-RKO]

In the co-feature, Yordenis Ugas and Omar Figueroa Jr. will meet in a welterweight world title elimination fight with the winner earning a mandatory shot at the 147-pound belt held by Shawn Porter.

Ugas (23-4, 11 KOs), 32, a Cuban defector fighting out of Miami, is coming off a disputed split-decision loss challenging Porter for his belt on March 9. He can earn another crack with a win over Figueroa.

"Omar Figueroa Jr. is a tremendous fighter, and that's the style I like to face. I'm an all-action fighter and the fans are going to be in for a full course meal before the actual main event. That I can promise," Ugas said.

Former lightweight world titlist Figueroa (28-0-1, 19 KOs), 29, of Weslaco, Texas, is a straight-ahead brawler who is coming off a 10-round decision win over John Molina Jr. on Feb. 16 and looking for another title shot.

"I'm excited for this fight against a talented Olympian who's very skilled," Figueroa said. "I know he will be moving around the ring a lot, so I'm going to have to move with him and chase him all night. I'm going to have to be in really good shape and work hard on my conditioning. This fight has definitely raised the stakes for me, so I know I have to be ready. I'm going to have a good camp and come in with excellent preparation for July 20."

Welterweights Sergey Lipinets (15-1, 11 KOs) and Molina (30-8, 24 KOs) will do battle in a 10-rounder between aggressive brawlers.

Former junior welterweight world titlist Lipinets, 30, a Kazakhstan native fighting out of Los Angeles, moved up to welterweight after losing his belt by decision to Mikey Garcia in March 2018. Lipinets has won his first two bouts at welterweight, including scoring a 10th-round knockout of former titlist Lamont Peterson on March 24 in a leading candidate for fight of the year.

"There's no slowing down in my march to get that welterweight championship belt," Lipinets said. "As always, I'm fighting a guy that is very dangerous and tough to the last bell. My title shot is right around the corner. I'm very excited to be part of a show like this and I'm grateful for these opportunities in my career and I promise that I'll earn my keep. I'm looking forward to becoming a two-time world champion."

Molina, 36, of Covina, California, a former lightweight and junior welterweight world title challenger, is coming off the disputed decision loss to Figueroa in February and predicts another action fight.

"It's going to be another barnburner like every one of my fights," Molina said. "My opponent is tough and durable, so I know it is going to be another exciting fight for my fans. There's no surprises at this stage of the game for me."

In the opening bout of the pay-per-view, former bantamweight world titleholders Luis Nery, of Mexico, and Juan Carlos Payano, of the Dominican Republic, will square off in a 12-round bout between southpaws.

[Ruthless-RKO]

No VADA Testing In Place for July 20 PPV Event

BS.com has learned that participants for the biggest boxing event of 2019 to date will be subject to testing standards limited to that provided by Nevada State Athletic Commissions. Original plans to secure the services of Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) were called off for reasons that haven’t yet been made clear—and too late in the game to rectify with just four weeks to go before fight night.

VADA representatives declined further comment beyond confirming that they are not involved in any aspect of the July 20 card.

Pacquiao found himself at the forefront of a heated years-long debate regarding drug testing as the issue was first raised by Floyd Mayweather Jr. when the demand grew for a superfight between the sport’s leading welterweights—and boxers in general.

Of course, Pacquiao has proven to be a clean athlete, having been regularly tested through random testing dating back to his Nov. 2013 points win over Brandon Rios. VADA testing was in place for that bout in Macao, China, which actually popped Rios for the banned substance dimenthylamylamine (DMAA).

The Las Vegas-headquartered agency also provided its services for Pacquiao’s most recent ring appearance, a 12-round win over Adrien Broner this past January, also at MGM Grand. The subject came to surface, however, when Broner alleged that he had yet to be tested by late December, less than a month out from the January 19 Showtime PPV event.

VADA was utilized for Fox Sports’ first foray into the PPV market in March, when welterweight titlist Errol Spence pitched a 12-round shutout over Mikey Garcia in their battle of unbeaten pound-for-pound entrants. It was also in place for last December’s Showtime PPV show in Los Angeles, where unbeaten heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury fought to a 12-round draw.

[ironbeard]

Should be a very good fight. It will not mean much to Pac’s Legacy if he loses, but if at the age of 40 he defeats Once Upon A Time it will be a major jewel for him and he will have to be considered for fighter of the year. Unless something major happens by the end of 2019, he will be the most accomplished welterweight of the year.

I will be pulling for him.

[boxing_rocks]

[SenorPipino]

Facially he looks far older.

His body is fine. But chiseled bodies don't win fights. Skills do. And those skills have diminished since 2011.

That's something that a photo can't show you.

[jamamb]

ya, looks very similar, still ugly as f@ck

[Ruthless-RKO]

Pacquiao-Thurman Event To Now Carry True Random Drug Testing

Upon further review, handlers for the best boxing card of 2019 to date have decided that drug testing is necessary after all.

Unbeaten welterweight titlist Keith Thurman and legendary former eight-division champ Manny Pacquiao remain on course for their July 20 Fox Sports Pay-Per-View headliner at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. BS.com has learned that both boxers are now subject to stricter testing than was previously the case, although all parties involved remain intentionally cryptic in providing any details—including confirmation of the new development

“Unfortunately I can’t confirm or deny who is being tested or not tested by various Performance Enhancing Drug Testing Organizations PEDTO),” Bob Bennett, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) informed BS.com in response to an email seeking comment. “As you know the PEDTO conduct random testing for the Promoters, a few commissions to include the Nevada State Athletic Commission."

“The NSAC does it best to ensure a level playing field for all unarmed combatants when they fight in the fight capital of the world. We randomly test in and out of competition for our events and incur the some of the costs.”

Multiple sources have confirmed with BS.com—on the condition of anonymity given their involvement in fighters’ camps and a confidentiality clause currently placed on the event—that both Pacquiao and Thurman are among no fewer than eight boxers on the show who are guaranteed to be tested in advance of the PPV show.

Among them are Luis Nery and Juan Carlos Payano, who collide in a battle of former bantamweight titlists. They will vie for Nery’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver 118-pound title, with such bouts falling under the WBC Clean Boxing Program (CBP) in which all titlists and Top 15 contenders are required to enroll.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman To Hit Movie Theaters

Boxing's only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao returns to face undefeated Super WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith "One Time" Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown broadcast live on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With his speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in recent bouts. This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing's deepest and most talented divisions.

Tickets for "Pacquiao vs. Thurman" can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices now.

The live broadcast of "Pacquiao vs. Thurman" presented by Fathom Events, Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports is set for Saturday, July 20 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. AK / 3:00 p.m. HI. Boxing fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 175 select movie theaters through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

"Fight fans coast-to-coast were thrilled to watch Pacquiao's victory over Broner live and larger-than-life in their local cinemas in January," said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. "We're pleased to partner again with our friends at FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions to bring another of Pac Man's highly-anticipated bouts to the big screen."

[Ruthless-RKO]

The UK ppv price is pretty decent..

Price: £12.95/€14.95

[SenorPipino]

The UK ppv price is pretty decent..

Price: £12.95/€14.95

Cheap cheap.

How do you guys do it?

I haven't seen a price tag yet on the US's FOX PPV offering.

But Pacquiao-Broner ran $75 and the Thurman bout is more highly anticipated.

I expect it to be in the $80 to $85 range.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Cheap cheap.

How do you guys do it?

I haven't seen a price tag yet on the US's FOX PPV offering.

But Pacquiao-Broner ran $75 and the Thurman bout is more highly anticipated.

I expect it to be in the $80 to $85 range.

Should be the standard $75. $85 for HD?

[SenorPipino]

Should be the standard $75. $85 for HD?

It's a bigger fight than the Broner one. Thurman has a belt, actually throws punches and tries to win.

So I suspect it might run about $10 more than Pacquiao and Broner.

Theaters are charging the usual $20 for closed circuit.