Can purported KO specialist Thurman make quick work of Pacquiao?

SINCE their world welterweight title clash was announced, undefeated champion Kieth Thurman has insisted he could knock out Manny Pacquiao, even send him into retirement.

Thurman’s record somehow backs his words; he is undefeated in 29 fights, 22 of which he won via stoppage.

Thurman said he’ll “crucify” Pacquiao and even planned to bet $10,000 on himself for added motivation.

But Filipino boxing referee Danrex Tapdasan said, despite the American titlist’s swagger, Thurman might figure it would be better to err on the side of caution.

“I don’t think (Thurman) will make the mistake to try to knock out Pacquiao and get knocked out himself,” Tapdasan said.

“He has evolved into a smart fighter and I don’t think he will change that, I think he has a lot of respect for Manny Pacquiao. The key for him to beat Manny Pacquiao is to outbox Manny Pacquiao, outpoint him.”

Despite what appears to be a high knockout rate, though, Thurman’s ability to finish fights inside 12 rounds has eroded, as 5 of his last 6 bouts went to the judges’ scorecards.

That and the fact that Thurman has never seen a fighter of Pacquiao’s caliber don’t theoretically bode well for Thurman.

“Pacquiao will be the aggressor,” fight commentator Ed Tolentino said. “He will pressure Thurman the way he did Adrien Broner. Pacquiao will force Thurman to trade. He will try to bring out the puncher in Thurman.”

If Thurman goes toe to toe with Pacquiao, then it will be the end of Thurman, Tolentino added.

“It is a gamble on Pacquiao’s part, but the moment he forces Thurman to stand up and trade, Pacquiao will negate Thurman’s height and reach advantage because they will be toe to toe, within spitting distance of each other,” said Tolentino.

“This favors Pacquiao. Up close, Thurman does not really move his head well and his tendency to throw wide punches makes him susceptible to Pacquiao’s speed and precision.”

Thurman will be defending his WBA “super” welterweight title against Pacquiao on July 20 (July 21, Manila time). ABSCBN News