Written by :
Published on :
If Keith Thurman fights as good as he trashed talked in pre-bout pressers, Manny Pacquiao is in for a long night. I guess when you’re undefeated with 22 knockouts in 29 fights you can pretty much say anything you want.
|
|
Not that this welterweight clash needs anymore hype, it’s already expected to be one of the biggest fights of the year with a packed house looking on at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pac Man is in the final stages of his boxing career and could create chaos in the division with a victory. You can expect Thurman to utilize his age and reach advantage in this one.
Be sure to visit BookMaker.eu to get the latest boxing odds when you’re ready to bet.
Boxing Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Keith Thurman +124
Manny Pacquiao -155
Over 11.5 Rounds -375
Under 11.5 Rounds +280
The WBA welterweight super championship bout between Keith Thurman ( 29-0, 22 knockouts ) and Manny Pacquiao ( 61-7-2, 39 knockouts ) will be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 20, 2019. This is the main event on a card that features five other fights and it can be seen on FOX pay-per-view.
Keith Thurman vs. Manny Pacquiao Fight Preview
Two champion welterweights should make for a close and entertaining fight. And both boxers will be facing their toughest opponent in some time. At age 40 Pacquiao is far from the Fighter of the Decade he was in the 2000s, but he still packs a punch and has been busy in the ring, a lot busier than his opponent.
Pac Man is the defending champ of the WBA welterweight belt he won against Lucas Matthysse with a TKO last July. Pacquiao’s duel with Adrien Broner in January had a lot of similarities to this one. He faced a much younger opponent who had a reach advantage and Pac Man came away with a unanimous decision, setting up another bout with a big boy from the class.
The ability to evolve as a boxer has kept Pacquiao in the ring. In his prime he was boxing’s most feared puncher with quickness and extremely fast hands. He’s been fighting since 1995 so he knows a thing or two about the sport. And he knows that he can’t overpower opponents. Pacquiao has just one knockout win in 15 fights since 2009 and he’s won four of his last five matches with a controversial decision to Jeff Horn the only setback.
Pacquiao is a smarter fighter who defends better, and coupled with his skill and knowledge, he should give Thurman a good bout.
Thurman is 10 years younger and boxes a lot like Pacquaio did at this age. He’s quick with fast hands and a powerful punch. However, injury put him on the shelf and he went nearly two years before a majority decision over a game but overmatched Josesito Lopez in January.
The rust was clearly evident in that fight, but Thurman had the right opponent. One-Time needed to get some rounds of work and Lopez was the perfect sparring partner. It may have been the worst performance of his career, but Thurman accomplished what he wanted, and he got the victory. The question now is whether or not Thurman was able to chisel off enough rust before and encounter with one of the all-time greats.
Bet Keith Thurman vs. Manny Pacquiao at BookMaker
There’s a good chance Thurman won’t hit the mat in this fight. He’s been knocked down just once in his career and Pacquiao doesn’t have the power he once did. And Thurman should probably think about changing his nickname since he hasn’t put anyone down over the last four years. Pac Man doesn’t want to get in a punching battle and he’s going to use his skill and experience to avoid any hard contact. This has a decision written all over it with both boxers likely to more on the defensive.
Thurman needed a fight after watching ringside for 22 months and he was able to find his game in the later rounds against Lopez. But going against Pacquiao so soon after the hiatus could be a mistake. I like the experience of Pac Man to get the better of One Time, handing him his first pro defeat that goes the distance.
Boxing Odds Pick: Manny Pacquiao / Decision
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.
