Keith Thurman gambling on himself to KO Manny Pacquiao in 1st round | Inquirer Sports

Keith Thurman gambling on himself to KO Manny Pacquiao in 1st round

By: - Reporter / @MarkGiongcoINQ
/ 08:49 PM July 18, 2019

Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman pose for photos after the final press conference on Wednesday at MGM Grand. Photo by Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

LAS VEGAS—Keith Thurman is betting on himself—literally.

Thurman, the undefeated welterweight champion, has been talking trash since his welterweight showdown with Manny Pacquiao was announced several months ago and now he’s putting his money where his mouth is.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We’re going for the overall victory and then, we’re going for first round knockout, second round knockout and then, lucky number seven round knockout,” Thurman said.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: Keith Thurman says it’s ‘game over’ for Manny Pacquiao

“At the end of the day, it’s a sport. I’m a winner in life, but to bet on myself for the opening rounds makes me do what I said earlier which is ‘swing swing swing.’ You gotta swing to hit a home run. You can’t just sit there and pump fake all day. I just wanna encourage myself.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The 30-year-old Thurman, who hails from Clearwater, Florida,  said going all-in on himself pushes him more to keep his promise of closing the curtains on the Filipino legend’s career.

Article continues after this advertisement

That and, of course, it’s always nice to take home more dollars apart from his paycheck.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Thurman looking forward to Pacquiao fight: I get to punch a senator with T-rex arms

“In boxing, we don’t really have a knockout bonus so if ‘One-Time’ Thurman gets a first round knockout somebody’s gotta pay me so at least the MGM Grand can pay me. It’s fun, it’s playful and it’s a little bit part of my strategy. I don’t recommend it for every fighter at home, but I like it.”

Article continues after this advertisement

It’s not an official bet yet but Thurman, who is now the slight underdog against Pacquiao after opening as the favorite, said it would be by Friday on the eve of fight night.

“We’re waiting. We believe that the odds are gonna keep being not in our favor which is gonna allow me to maximize my bet,” he said.

READ: Once inspired by Manny Pacquiao, Keith Thurman turning out to be an admirer

“I went to the bank today. We got the money ready, but we haven’t gotten the ticket yet because you know they’re still gonna shift. It’s not Friday night. All the fans aren’t here at the MGM yet. The Asians have been getting it in,” he added.

Money down or not, Thurman is eager to cash in. 

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“I’m an undefeated champion for a reason. I’ve been presented with many challenges in the ring and I’ve always overcome these challenges. I’m ready for anything that Manny Pacquiao is going to throw at me.”

TAGS: Boxing, Keith Thurman, Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao, WBA title, welterweight

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.