What Does a Win Over Thurman do for Pacquiao?

[JuniorTorres720]

A loss wouldn't hurt Pacquiao's legacy at all. But a victory might impact it in my opinion. Manny Pacquiao is 40 years old and we all know the great feats he's accomplished. He's in the twilight of his career and doesn't need these sort of fights. But here he is in the final chapter of his illustrious career. He was HOF worthy in '08 when he beat the likes of Marquez, Barrera, and Morales. He went on a glorious run from '09 to '15 and now he's here facing a new generation in Keith Thurman. Thurman is a top 3-5 welterweight, a world champion in his prime, stronger, younger, and has never tasted defeat. What would a win do to Pacquiao's legacy?


As I mentioned before, Pacquiao's legacy is already cemented and nothing can take away what he's already done. He could lose and still retain his legacy. But a win would surely do something for his legacy. Whenever Pacquiao fights at this stage of his career, I feel like his fights are no longer about moving up in the current P4P rankings or top 10 rankings of a division. No. At this stage, whenever Pacquiao fights it moves the needle on his status on the list of all time greats. What do you guys think?

[Thraxox]

I always maintain that, your legacy is set the moment your prime ended, and anything after is just a cherry on the cake.

[jdp28tx]

I always maintain that, your legacy is set the moment your prime ended, and anything after is just a cherry on the cake.

Good point. If he wins it is a big deal. Thurman is young, in his prime and is considered the top welterweight. He beat Garcia and Porter. He also beat Guerrero at a time when a win over The Ghost really counted as something. These wins made him the top welterweight. Spence will eventually be the top welterweight, but not now and a win over a blown-up Garcia did not do much for him in my opinion.

Thurman may not be as good as he was 18 months ago, but he is still a very solid name and and Paq win might just edge him over Mayweather in the all-time list.

Mayweather's last fight was against Berto a fighter who had long seen better days. Paq has beaten Lucas M. and Broner in the past year. He did not just beat them he dominated them. If he adds Thurman's scalp that is one hell of a 3 fight run for a fighter at the end of his career. If he wins he should retire. He should not tempt fate and continue fighting.

[RightJabLikeZab]

Same thing beating De La Hoya did for Floyd and Manny, increases his popularity.