Keith Thurman has delivered a harrowing promise to end Manny Pacquiao’s career when the two collide in Las Vegas for the welterweight world championship.
The American will top the bill when he defends his WBA world strap for the sixth time against 40-year-old Pacquiao at the MGM Grand on July 20. Despite the fight still being two months away, Thurman wasted no time in trying to land the first meaningful blow by making a savage prediction on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old acknowledged what Pacquiao has achieved during a glittering 24-year career, but is adamant that he will be the man to close the curtain on it by issuing a brutal knockout.
“Come July 20, he will disappear. He belongs as a senator in the Philippines,” Thurman said. “What I am doing to Manny Pacquiao is what he did to Oscar De La Hoya.”
Thurman comes into this blockbuster clash off the back of an underwhelming majority decision victory over Joselito Lopez - his only fight since a 22-month layoff with injury. The WBA champion believes he can still perform at the highest level despite his recent inactivity and is confident of claiming a conclusive victory against Pacquiao.
He added: “Come July 20 you will see the best. It has been four years since I fought two times in one year. Trash talk doesn’t mean nothing, but when he is on that mat and catching that night, it’s really going to mean something.”
Pacquiao, meanwhile, insists he will leave no stone unturned in his preparations as he bids to win another world title.
The Filipino star said: “Keith Thurman is the kind of fighter you can respect. He is undefeated and this gives me more encouragement, motivation to work hard - like I did before, in my previous fights with big names in boxing.”
“I will make sure I am in 100 per cent condition and ready for the fight, and let’s see who is tougher in the ring on July 20. It is going to be exciting and I like it. I like I am the underdog for this fight, this is fun, this is what I want.”
