Pacquiao’s back with win over US warrior
MANNY Pacquiao knocked down Keith Thurman in the first round and persevered for an exciting split-decision victory yesterday, adding a third straight win to his career resurgence after turning 40.
Pacquiao (62-7-2) dropped his previously unbeaten opponent with a combination late in the first round, and the Pac-Man dominated the opening rounds with a combination of flair and power that recalled the incredible prime of the only eight-division champion in boxing history.
Thurman (29-1) showed remarkable tenacity in the middle rounds, repeatedly testing Pacquiao’s chin with big shots. Neither fighter managed another knockdown, but they pushed relentlessly in front of a sellout crowd at the MGM Grand Garden.
“It was fun,” Pacquiao said. “My opponent is a good fighter and boxer. He was strong . ... I think he did his best, and I did my best. I think we made the fans happy because it was a good fight.”
Two judges scored the bout 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Glenn Feldman scored it 114-113 for Thurman.
Pacquiao appeared to be declining as recently as two years ago, when he lost a listless decision to Jeff Horn. But while his political career flourished, Pacquiao returned to the ring a year ago and put together victories over Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner.
Thurman represented another major step up in competition to rejoin the welterweight elite – and Pacquiao bolted out of the gate.
Both fighters started quickly with good exchanges, but Pacquiao changed the bout in an instant. He moved forward to land a left to the body and a right hook that sent Thurman to the canvas with 25 seconds left in the first round.