Reshaped Thurman going for KO, nothing less

Keith Thurman has admitted to a very poor form in his last bout, which he barely survived against underdog Josesito Lopez.

Thurman said he was really nervous about making weight for that bout.

He was hog heavy, walking around at 180 pounds, unsure of himself for nearly two years before the fight in January which he was lucky to win by majority decision.

He got hit, shaken and was in trouble in the seventh round.

“My ability saw me through. I am thankful, I feel strong and healthy and taken those feelings right into this training camp,” he assured from his Florida work base.

For the record, his team had been evasive about his exact condition when he decided to return after nearly two years of forced layoff, caused by injuries.

For the first time, Thurman has made a neat and honest declaration of intent. There’s none of the trashy conceit, which he had overdone in slurring Manny Pacquiao.

Thurman obviously wanted to say this is a new warrior that’s taking on the legendary Pacquiao.

He has promised a world-class performance on July 20 at MGM Grand Las Vegas.

“I’d like to get the knockout or TKO,” he declared. “You’re going to see a world-class performance.

He said he’d like to be the old devastating champion once again.

Out in the Hollywood area, Pacquiao handlers declared they are done with preparations, claiming there’s nothing more left for Pacquiao to do.

Pacquiao on Sunday rode to the Universal Studios with his family for a day of bonding, relaxation and fun.

Team Pacquiao should be in fight site Las Vegas this weekend.

“I believe I have the better speed and footwork,” Pacquiao told BoxingScene.com. “Thurman is going to be surprised by what he sees in me. I know he senses what’s coming his way.”

Pacquiao has lessened his comments on the fight.

Freddie Roach has, however, assured Pacquiao will win because of his work ethic.

“Manny has not slowed down at all,” Roach said. “He’s the same Manny Pacquiao 22 years ago.”

Roach said Thurman has visibly faded and slowed down.

“I don’t really think he’s the fighter he once was,” Roach said.

There are two distinct possibilities in the Pacquiao-Thurman welterweight unification championship.

1. The smaller but faster and sharper fighter spurts over and overwhelms his opponent for a flashy win;

2. The bigger and younger fighter stays firm and strong through the blazing offensive to box brilliantly and score a methodical victory.

The bout is fast shaping into a toss-up, a pick ’em encounter deemed to be a hit with the vast pay-per-view audience.

For the record Thurman, unlike Pacquiao, has never been stopped.

Michael Rosenthal, an influential boxing authority and critic, has maintained Thurman, younger, bigger and more technically sound, will be providing a dangerous challenge to Pacquiao.

Rosenthal said he hopes Pacquiao doesn’t get seriously hurt during the championship.

“I hope the referee or Roach will stop the fight a second too soon and not a second too late if things become hopeless for Pacquiao.”

Pacquiao himself said there’s a big possibility the big fight will not go 12 rounds.