Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman
This exciting fight is hard to predict because there are a lot of unknowns and intangibles. Has Pacquiao’s age caught up with him since we saw him against Broner? Will we see the Thurman that we saw against Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia or the Thurman we saw against Josesito Lopez after his long layoff?
This fight is a measuring stick for both fighters. But I would anticipate that Thurman comes in sharper and more prepared than he was versus Lopez and Pacquiao hasn’t gotten old overnight and looks like the guy who fought Matthysse.
Despite being 40, Pacquiao still has his speed. Thurman will likely try to use his size advantage and keep a safe distance to avoid the Pacquiao flurry. And while Pacquiao has the advantage in IQ, speed, and experience; Thurman has the advantage in defense. Unfortunately, fighting a defensive fight will not give Thurman the rounds he needs to win a decision. And neither of these fighters have displayed knock out power recently. Pacquiao will win round with his activity.
The prediction? Manny Pacquiao should win this one by unanimous decision. However, this is the type of fight that judges tend to mess up. Don’t be surprised if there is a controversial draw.