Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman for WBA Welterweight Title

Boxing fans are all set to witness an epic showdown of blockbuster proportions. Manny Pacquiao, eight-division world champion, will be taking on Keith Thurman on July 20.

Fight for Welterweight Supremacy

Manny Pacquiao currently holds the WBA’s secondary “world” welterweight title. Thurman, on the other hand, is the reigning WBA (Super) welterweight world champion. The fight will essentially unify the two titles and give the world an undisputed welterweight champion.

The fight was announced in a statement by the promoters, and later confirmed by Pacquiao himself.

“In the biggest night of boxing this year, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao, will take on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman on Saturday, July 20 in a blockbuster showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event”

read the statement by the promoters.

“#TeamPacquiao is back. July 20 l #PacThurman,” Pacquio tweeted from his official account.

Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman: Much anticipated bout

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The announcement ended months of speculation on who the Filipino icon will take on next. Last month, Pacquiao ran a poll for his social media accounts for fans to know who he should fight next.

Earlier this year, Thurman returned from a near two-year layoff to retain his title with a 12-round majority decision over Josesito Lopez. In the immediate aftermath of his victory, Thurman commented that he was ready to take on Pacquiao this year.

Venue to be confirmed

Venue for the bout has not been announced yet.

“Maybe Brooklyn, maybe Vegas, wherever Manny Pacquiao wants it,”

Thurman said.

“I’d even fight him in the Philippines if I have to.”

The Senator from Philippines last fought in January against American Adrien Broner. After winning easily in a unanimous decision, the boxer took his record to 61-7-2 with 39 knockouts. Thurman, 30, is currently undefeated in 29 fights, with 22 wins inside the distance.

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