Manny Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman via split decision to become the new WBA welterweight champion of the world at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It was one of the most entertaining fights of year and fans were up on their feet. The judges score the fight 115-112 for Pacquiao while the third had it 114-113 for Thurman. The 40-year old, former eight-division world champion and the senator from the Philippines started the fight strong with dropping Keith Thurman in the first round.
Pacquiao dropped Thurman in the first round. At 40, he's still got it#PacquiaoThurman pic.twitter.com/Z9xbDW2j6G
— MMA India (@MMAIndiaShow) July 21, 2019
The first half was dominated by Pacquiao, but Thurman made his comeback and had his moments in the later half of the fight and hitting Manny with his signature right hand. Manny however again hurt Thurman in the tenth round with a brutal body shot that had him gasping with his hands dropped.
OMG 😱😱😱😱😱😱
That body shot my Manny Pacquiao took everything out of Thurman
HOLYSH*T !!!#PacquiaoThurmanpic.twitter.com/TYQEGZAYVz— MMA India (@MMAIndiaShow) July 21, 2019
Although after the fight both fighters embraced themselves and showed tremendous respect for each other despite the trash talk which took place during the promotion of the fight.
“I’m not the kind off boxer to be a talker, just promoting the fight,” Pacquiao said. “I think we did a lot off things [to promote the fight]. He did his best, and I did my best to make the people happy.”
“I really loved the fans. Thank you so much for coming here and witnessing the fight,” Pacquiao said. “I’m sure you were happy tonight because you see a good fight. Even though Thurman lost, he did his best. He’s not an easy opponent. He’s a good boxer, strong. I think I’m just blessed tonight.”
Who do you guys want to see Pacquiao fight next?
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