Thurman Ready For a Rematch Against Pacquiao

Following a stint in which he didn’t fight for two years, Keith Thurman returned to the ring against Josesito Lopez. Looking rusty, it was very questionable if a match with Manny Pacquiao was wise. Surviving and thriving in his own way, Thurman is ready for his chance at redemption.

Thurman (29-1, 1NC) went on Instagram Live with Premier Boxing Champions to talk about a variety of topics. One of them happened to be about facing Pacquiao (62-7-2) once again. While there have been rumored opponents for Pacquiao, including Terence Crawford, Thurman believes he has the advantage. This is especially true when looking at the coronavirus situation, where boxing has been postponed for the immediate future.

“Every day no one is allowed to do anything, it makes me feel like I’m one day closer to my rematch with Manny Pacquiao,” stated, via ESPN.

“I just don’t see somebody else really giving him a great fight. I also believe I deserve the rematch from being the undefeated welterweight champion at the time.”

In the bout between Thurman and Pacquiao, the latter was dropped down early in the first by Pacquiao. The Senator of the Philippines then controlled the entire first half, with Thurman ending up making a comeback towards the end. It was as even as it could get, with one judge scoring it 114-113 in favor of Thurman, and the other two giving a 115-112 score to Pacquiao. Not only did Thurman lose his first fight but he also lost the WBA Welterweight Title.

For months now, Thurman has been requesting a rematch, stating the two fought to a draw. Pacquiao and his promotor, however, have since stated there is nothing else to prove with a Thurman rematch. That could all change, especially with the current landscape of boxing.

Thurman is currently out of action until later in the year due to hand surgery. With the coronavirus affecting fights months in advance, and his timetable looking pretty smooth, Thurman believes all signs point to the rematch.

“I understood after my hand surgery he was most likely going to step in the ring before I would be prepared to step in the ring, but now we’re both looking at a situation where we both might be prepared to step in the ring at the same time” Thurman went on to say. “If that’s the case, I mean, the ball’s in his court.”

Would you like to see a rematch between Thurman and Pacquiao?