Roach predicts Pacquiao to knock out Thurman in the 9th round. “Thurman can’t handle Manny’s speed.” pic.twitter.com/GAYMZ50urp
— MG (@MarkGiongcoINQ) July 13, 2019
HOLLYWOOD—Keith Thurman won’t last the distance against Manny Pacquiao in their welterweight title fight as far as Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach is concerned.
Roach foresees Pacquiao winning by knockout late in the fight to unify the WBA belts.
“I don’t think it will end early. Both are tough guys and usually are in long distance fights so I think Manny’s gonna knock him out about the ninth round,” Roach said.
Thurman is unbeaten at 29-0 with 22 knockouts but Roach is convinced Pacquiao’s blinding speed is going to overwhelm will be too much for him.
“I think Thurman can’t handle Manny’s speed and Manny’s speed is continuous, it doesn’t go away halfway through the fight.”
Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) and Thurman clash on July 20 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
