Can Thurman check in primed like Pacquiao?
It will be each warrior to his own strength—and weakness.
Nobody can be sure. The best we can all do is guess and hang onto possibilities in what promises to be a truly great world championship fight.
Manny Pacquiao could not ask for more; he’s checking in super primed from a sold camp. In fact, Pacquiao has been claiming over a week ago he could do the title bout anytime.
Keith Thurman pitched camp much later than Pacquiao but the undefeated 30-year-old sounded sure he has covered all he needed to during a relatively brief preparation.
Boxing greats are split on their choices.
Odds are moving close to even, with Pacquiao enjoying a slight edge among bookmakers.
The conduct of training will strongly influence, if not ultimately decide, the outcome of the championship.
Pacquiao has been showing everybody his robust regimen, both in the gym and out in the running field.
Thurman has practically been doing his thing in his own corner of the world.
There are the intangibles.
For the first time, it has been reported that more than an arm injury, Thurman had been badly hurt in a vehicular accident.
John J. Raspanti of MaxBoxing.com said Thurman had a sluggish start: “Thurman needs to perform at a higher level versus Pacquiao. It hasn’t been a very good camp start. Thurman was out for almost two years due to back injuries sustained in an automobile accident, and elbow surgery.”
Thurman had been badly hurt, as shown in his poor showing against vast underdog Josesito Lopez in January.
Admitted Thurman: “I definitely felt ring rust that night. There were times when there were certain combinations I wanted to throw but they were not coming out.”
Team Pacquiao said they are not basing their idea of what sort of opponent they will have on Thurman’s struggling finish in his last fight.
Thurman himself said he has taken momentum from his last bout to his current camp.
“This camp is already a far better one for this fight,” he said.
Did Thurman need to cut corners (in training)?
Why does he insist he hopes to end the contest inside six rounds?
Thurman continued to claim he has vastly superior ring craft and intelligence.
Freddie Roach said Thurman is too slow, at the same time vowing a stoppage around the ninth round.
There will be a premium on adjustments.
Pacquiao is more than complete, ready to make it a nightmare for his opponent.
Thurman will have to dig deeper and provide surprises, if he hopes for a fairytale finish.
