Thurman is beatable, says Buboy
Manny Pacquiao’s trainer holds no fear of Keith Thurman’s unbeaten record.
Buboy Fernandez, in fact, sees Thurman as a flawed fighter, whose mistakes Pacquiao will exploit when they meet for the World Boxing Association welterweight title on July 20 in Las Vegas.
A day after the fight was formally announced by Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), Fernandez immediately took out his smartphone and went online.
Fernandez had watched Thurman against Shawn Porter, Pacquiao’s former sparmate on video, and getting another look at Thurman only convinced him that Pacquiao has more than what it takes to handle his next opponent.
“Kitang-kita kung saan nanggagaling and suntok ni Thurman (You can see Thurman’s punches),” said Fernandez yesterday from Polangqui, Albay, where he is running for the post of vice mayor.
Thurman, taller by two inches at 5-7 1/2 with a 29-0 record, including 22 KOs, is nonetheless beatable, according to Fernandez, who could take the lead role in Pacquiao’s corner for the third straight time with Freddie Roach assuming the job of training assistant and consultant.
“Pinanood kong mabuti ang laban na yan at marami akong nakita (I watched that fight carefully and I saw a lot),” he said.
Thurman won over Porter on points but not after being brought to neck-deep waters by the former Pacquiao sparring partner.
Though undefeated, Thurman hasn’t been impressive as of late.
The last time he fought – on Jan. 26, a week after Pacquiap batterd Adrien Broner – Thurman struggled against Josesito Lopez.
In the seventh round, Lopez almost stopped Thurman, who got repeatedly tagged while on the retreat.
Fernandez feels Thurman can also be taken out with body shots.
“Malambot sa katawan (He gets hurt with body shots),” he added.