Manny Pacquiao beats Keith Thurman on points to take WBA Super welterweight title
Last updated on .From the section Boxing
Manny Pacquiao said he had "fun" as he became the oldest welterweight champion in history by beating WBA Super champion Keith Thurman in a split decision in Las Vegas.
Thurman - previously undefeated - had promised to send the 40-year-old Fillipino into retirement, but was knocked down in the first round before a thrilling fight went the distance.
"I knew it was too close," said American Thurman. "He got the knockdown so he had momentum in round one. This was a beautiful night of boxing."
The 30-year-old had been looking for his 30th straight win.
Two judges scored it 115-112 to Pacquiao, while the other gave it 114-113 to Thurman.
Pacquiao - a world champion at eight weights - was fighting for the 71st time in a stellar career that has seen seven defeats, but with four of those losses coming in his past 11 fights before the meeting with Thurman.
Afterwards, Pacquiao said he felt "blessed" and he will return to the Philippines to resume his work as a senator before deciding his next move.
"I think I will fight next year," he added.
Thurman had a height, reach, weight and age advantage over Pacquiao, but was chasing the fight from the beginning and started to bleed from his nose in the fifth round.
He recovered in the middle of the contest, but Pacquiao stormed back to take the last few rounds.
The Filipino could now face Britain's Amir Khan, though last week he denied claims that an agreement for a bout in Saudi Arabia was a already in place for November.
Khan claims the fight will take place in Riyadh on 8 November.
"I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe," Thurman told US broadcasters. "I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. My conditioning, my output, was just behind Manny Pacquiao. It was a great night of boxing. I'd love a rematch.
"I want to thank the fans. I want to thank everybody for coming out. Manny Pacquiao is a great, truly great champion."
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Pacquiao Clearly won the fight yet one American judge gives it to Thurman. Something needs to be done about some of these outrageous decisions as it is clear for all to see that these decision are wrong. Boxing is getting dragged further into the gutter when a judge cant be trusted.
"I was referring to boxing in general, not this fight although years ago this fight may have gone down as a draw. And in the past the Fury fight would not have been a draw, he’d have lost".
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What past? Tyson Fury boxed Beyonce Wilder's ears off, straight after a diet of drugs, booze and God knows how much food. He won that fight in any era.
The headline clearly reads otherwise
And in the past the Fury fight would not have been a draw, he’d have lost
Anyhoo, what’s with Riyadh, I mean, will Amirs camera hogging wife be able to attend. If not at least she’ll be able to drive him to the venue and wait outside for the 3 minutes that the fight will last.
It’ll be the easiest $25million he’ll ever make for a few rounds
Obviously you didnt watch the fight
I can see Manny fighting in Rihad against Khan because the purse will be big and he has nothing to prove and is only fighting for money, so i can see it happening but its just a bit of a circus non fight if it does happen.
I was watching both fighters on youtube in their own changing rooms and Thurman looked tense and not as relaxed a Manny.