Pacquiao to make Thurman atone for ‘crucify’ boast

Pacquiao opens Manila training camp in preparation for Thurman. Photos by Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

There was heavy emphasis on power and combinations during the workout of Manny Pacquiao on a sweltering Friday afternoon.

After a while, the reason for the intensity was clear. Trainer Buboy Fernandez, holding the mitts, was egging on the 40-year-old reigning welterweight champion, who later unloaded punches and blurted out: “Patulugin natin yan; matanda pala ha (let’s knock him out and show him who’s old).”

This was just Day 2 of Pacquiao’s training camp inside the plush Elorde Gym at Five ECom Center inside Mall of Asia complex.

Pacquiao has motivation to knock out unbeaten American Keith Thurman, whom he will face for the WBA unification bout on July 20 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Thurman, 30, had earlier said he will “crucify” Pacquiao and score a win that would banish the Filipino global megastar into retirement.

“Manny’s little upset by it,” said Justin Fortune, Pacquiao’s fitness and conditioning coach.

Fernandez confirmed that much, saying of Thurman: “Matuto siya gumalang, wala sa edad ’yan. Baka siya ang ma-crucify (He should show a bit of respect. Age doesn’t matter. He might be the one to be crucified),” said Fernandez, who is vice mayor-elect of Polangui town in Albay.