-Pacquiao: “I was blessed tonight”-
(Eagle News) – Filipino senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao outclassed American boxer Keith Thurman, beating the former undefeated US boxer and welterweight champion by a split decision.
With the win, the 40-year old Pacquiao gains the WBA welterweight crown, and dismissed critics that his age may weigh him down. He proved that his style, strength, and years of experience in the boxing ring made the world of a difference.
Boxing judges gave these scores: Dave Moretti and Tim Cheatham both had it 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Glenn Feldman scored it 114-113 to Thurman
Pacquiao, 40, floored Thurman in the first round and never eased up to bring a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to its feet.
In a thrilling 12-round battle on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Pacquiao rolled back the years with a vintage display of boxing class to defeat Thurman. The Filipino boxing senator now becomes the oldest holder of a major welterweight title in boxing history
-Pacquiao says Thurman a “good boxer”-
Pacquiao said Thurman was a “good boxer” and that he gave a strong fight.
“I was blessed tonight,” he said of his win.
“I think we did a lot of things [to promote the fight]. He did his best, and I did my best to make the people happy,” Pacquiao said.
Thurman, on the other hand, admitted his condition and output was simply “behind” that of the Filipino boxing champion.
He said that he knew that when he was knocked down in the first round, Pacquiao already had the momentum.
-Pacquiao, truly a great champion, says Thurman-
“I want to thank the fans. I want to thank everybody for coming out. This was a beautiful night of boxing. Manny Pacquiao is a great, truly great champion,” the US boxer said.
Thurman said Pacquiao’s experience made a difference in their boxing match.
“I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe. I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. My conditioning, my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao,” he said.
Thurman said he wished there could be a rematch.
“It was a great night of boxing. I’d love a rematch,” he said.
