Manny Pacquiao victim Keith Thurman says he has seen signs the Filipino superstar is slowing down ahead of his challenge to WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr in an all-southpaw showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21.
The 42-year-old Pacquiao 62-7-2 (39) will be having his first fight in two years since he defeated Thurman 29-1 (22) by split decision to lift the WBA 147-pound title in Las Vegas. He will be looking to claim the scalp of his second undefeated American fighter in a row against the 31-year-old Texan Spence, 27-0 (21).
“I know they loved that action I gave Pacquiao. Don’t worry, I’ll be right back,” Thurman said to Little Giant Boxing. “I’m looking forward to that Pac fight too. I got to see how Errol is looking.
“I think he’s got what it takes [to beat Pacquiao]. I saw a little mitt-work from Pacquiao. He looked a little slower this camp, I’m not going to lie.
“We all know he’s a little older; he’s looking a little slower. I hope he gives Errol something good.
“One of those little sneaky-sneaky, bop-bop. You know, we want to see that chin get touched.
“I’m a better boxer than EJ. I’ve been grinding for a long time. This is not new.
“We’ve all got our skills and out traits, man. I do think I’m very well-rounded in the welterweight division. I stick, I move, I’ve got my head movement, and I throw combinations from awkward positions.
“EJ, he works behind that nice long jab and he places his body punches very well. We’ve all got our strengths in this game.”
Thurman has been out of the ring since his loss to Pacquiao when he was dropped in the first round but worked his way back into the fight to lose by scores of 112-115, 112-115 and 114-113. It was just the second fight for Thurman in over two years after injuries interrupted his career.
“Of course, I want that run-back with Pacquiao,” said Thurman, who goes by the nickname ‘One Time’. “I wanted that run-back this summer, but he chose Errol Spence and his coach said himself that they think Spence is a lesser challenge.
“They don’t want this challenge no more… He got through ‘One Time’ one time; that’s enough time. You don’t want to see me two times. It’s all good, though.
“Danny [Garcia] said I hit harder. I don’t got to drop you. If you get in the ring with Keith Thurman, you’re going to learn something. You’re going to know what kind of fighter I am.
“I’ve always been a realist. I’ve got the best footwork at 147; I can fight backward. Pacquiao, I barely lost. I beat myself, baby.
“You got to know that sometime. Sometimes you beat yourself. That fight was in my hands.
“I didn’t throw the punches; I didn’t pull the trigger. I got to get trigger happy out here.”
