On July 20, 2019, the world will be treated to the highly anticipated showdown between WBA Welterweight Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and one of the most iconic fighters in boxing history, Manny Pacquiao.
The case can be made that this is a crossroads fight. In one corner you have Thurman who just won a majority decision over Josesito Lopez after his nearly two year absence from the ring due to elbow surgery and rehab. Nearly every boxing fan wants to see if Thurman can remain one of the elite boxers in the business.
In the other corner is Pacquiao. After losing a fiercely debated decision to Jeff Horn in July of 2017, Pacquiao went without a fight for just over a year. Many people wondered what Manny would look like in the ring, IF and when he came back. Since then, he has been on a torrid pace by knocking out Lucas Matthysse and easily outpointing Adrien Broner. Taking a dangerous fight with Thurman shows that the “Pac Man” is serious about continuing his career as a boxer.
As for the crossroads – At Thurman’s age it’s hard to imagine him being at a crossroad but it feels like one. A win over Pacquiao would not only be a quality win over a legend who is still competing at the highest levels, it would thrust his name to the top of the list as a major part of the biggest fights to made. With Pacquiao, it’s almost as simple as, “can Manny still defeat fighters who are in their primes or are considered one of the very best in the division?” If so, I’d expect to see Manny in a mega fight in his next event. These are intriguing scenarios, going into the fight.
We are almost assured to find out where each man stands on that road after this fight. In any case, I anticipate a very entertaining fight.
-Tommy Marz
You can follow Tommy on Twitter and let him know who you think will win this fight.
Saturday, July 20 in the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View
Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas – (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
Blockbuster Night Presented by PBC & FOX Sports Features Primetime Show on FOX & FOX Deportes Headlined by Caleb Plant Defending His World Title
Preceding Pay-Per-View Telecast
Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao returns to face undefeated Super WBA
Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown live
on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Preceding the pay-per-view is a FOX PBC Fight Night also taking place at MGM Grand that is headlined
by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant making his first title defense against unbeaten contender Mike Lee.
Possessing speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous
challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in his recent ring appearances. This high stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB
Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-
740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.