Pacquiao: I Hope Thurman Backs Up Talk - Goes Toe To Toe!

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao is staying calm while his upcoming opponent, WBA welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, is planning a career-ending beating.

Pacquiao will challenge Thurman on Saturday July 20th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Earlier this year, Thurman snapped a two year layoff with a tougher than expected decision win over Josesito Lopez.

Pacquiao was also in action back in January, when he dominated four division world champion Adrien Broner over twelve rounds.

Thurman has promised to end the career of the 40-year-old veteran. He says Pacquiao is going to take a terrible beating before the fight is stopped.

During his very long career, Pacquiao has heard similar threats, and he hopes Thurman is going to back up his talk when they get in there.

“It’s easy for my opponents to talk before the fight, and I’m used to everything they say. But when we get to the ring, it changes, and it will change on July 20. I chose Keith Thurman because he’s a great fighter, he’s undefeated and because we can give a good fight to the fans. I want to make the fans happy on that night and show that I can still go toe-to-toe with any opponent," Pacquiao said.
 
“He said he’s young, but we’ll see who looks young in the ring on July 20. I’m going to let my fists say everything for me. We will work hard in training camp like always for this fight. We’re not going to take Keith Thurman lightly or underestimate him. He’s a world champion. I’m thankful for what he’s been saying, because it’s giving me motivation to prove that at 40-years-old, I feel 29.
 
“Keith Thurman is aggressive and throws a lot of punches. I’m hoping on July 20 he will follow through with what he says and fight toe-to-toe with me."