Keith Thurman gets up after being knocked down by Manny Pacquiao in the first round during a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS–Keith Thurman nearly toppled a legend in Manny Pacquiao—at least that’s how the judges saw it.
But nonetheless, an always confident Thurman wants another crack at Pacquiao.
“I would love a rematch,” said Thurman after absorbing his first loss in 30 fights and yielding the WBA (Super) welterweight belt.
READ: Keith Thurman walks the talk despite loss to Manny Pacquiao
Thurman, who lost by split decision, was 10 years younger than the Filipino champion but it worked to his disadvantage as Pacquiao’s experience came to play especially in the later rounds.
“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 and my output were just behind Manny Pacquiao’s,” he said.
READ: Pacquiao captures WBA super welterweight crown after split decision over Thurman
“You get blessings and lessons. Tonight was a blessing and a lesson. Thank you everybody, and thank you Manny Pacquiao.”