LOOK: Here’s Manny Pacquiao less than 24 hours after a hard-fought win over Keith Thurman. #PacThurman #PacquiaoThurman | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/om6V8nf8Ok
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 21, 2019
LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao won but not without overcoming a tough fight against Keith Thurman in their welterweight world title fight Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena here.
Pacquiao was all smiles as he prepared to head back to Manila Sunday afternoon, but the bruises and swelling on his face, especially around his left eye, tell it all.
READ: Pacquiao to skip Sona after win vs Keith Thurman
Triumphant Manny Pacquiao expected to leave for Manila from Las Vegas around 5 p.m. But schedule could change anytime. Pacquiao coming off a 12-round fight against Keith Thurman. #PacThurman #PacquiaoThurman | @MarkGiongcoINQ
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 21, 2019
The 40-year-old Pacquiao gave the much younger and bigger Thurman a beating but he also took some punishment especially in the latter rounds where the hard-hitting American found his groove.
READ: Keith Thurman walks the talk despite loss to Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao was explosive from the opening bell, dropping Thurman with a right straight in the first round and did just enough to emerge victorious via a controversial split decision after many believe it should’ve been a unanimous decision victory for the Filipino legend.
