Keith Thurman: Manny Pacquiao’s boxing tactics are predictable, I have to take advantage

With Keith Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) set to square-off with Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) on July 20 in Las Vegas, the WBA’s super champion says he’s excited to have finally landed a superstar opponent — something he’s long yearned for.

Thurman may be coming off a long period of inactivity, followed by a tougher-than-expect fight against Josesito Lopez in January, but fully expects to rise to the occasion here against the Filipino legend. And speaking on Pacquiao specifically, Thurman says Pacquiao’s proven that he’s a beatable fighter and that he’s just going to be added to the list of fighter’s who’ve done it already.

“For me his boxing tactics are predictable. He fights in spurts and you have to take advantage of that. You have to be respectful of his power.

“But I believe my movement, athleticism and ring knowledge will be able to present him something he’s not seen in all his years of boxing.”

That last statement is obviously being oversold by Thurman, as Pacquiao has been in with some of the all-time great — something Thurman certainly hasn’t proven to be at this point — but he does have real chances here. Pacquiao is 40-years-old after all, and has proven susceptible to poor style matchups (as are most fighters). But whether or not Thurman will bring a style to really trouble Pacquiao, especially considering his injury history, remains to be seen.