Philippines, 11 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Pacquiao faced with a serious challenge


PhilBoxing.com





FREDDIE Roach said that, if they don?t get Floyd Mayweather, Keith Thurman is his second choice for Manny Pacquiao?s next opponent.

Thurman, 30, the WBA super welterweight champion, readily called out Pacquiao after scoring a majority decision conquest of Josesito Lopez in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday.

Pacquiao is listed as the WBA regular welterweight champion.
The undefeated Thurman, 29-0, fought again after a 22 month lay-off caused by hand and elbow injuries.

**

Thurman did not look anything special in out-pointing Lopez. He scored a knockdown in the second round, but was shaken and survived a furious attack from Lopez in the seventh round.
Thurman appeared ordinary and predictable. But Roach said he loved him for Pacquiao?s style.

?I think he?s good for Manny?s style, not easy though,? Roach explained. ?We want the best opponents out there, since he won, he?s one of the better guys out there.?

**

Thurman, lacking the enthusiasm, could be considered a serious challenge (to Pacquiao), all for the simple fact that the noisy and boisterous Adrien Broner ended up a howling joke in losing to Pacquiao in Las Vegas on Jan. 19.

Broner, who came in with a hollow middle, did not have the heart and toughness, but had the fast feet to escape Pacquiao?s power, determination and sharpness.

**

There?s no assurance a Pacquiao-Thurman fight would be compelling and competitive, but fight promoters could lean on the fact that the WBA is in the process of cleansing its ranks of ?excess? weight division champions.

The winner would be automatically declared the lone rightful WBA crown-holder.

Thurman said he would be ready and willing to fight Pacquiao anywhere.

Pacquiao, in Hong Kong when last heard of, has not responded to Thhurman?s challenge.

**

(FAREWELL TO A VETERAN NEWSMAN: The helpful and well-loved veteran news correspondent Juanito ?Jun? Velasco of Dagupan City will be interred on Feb. 2 at the Mt. Zion Memorial Park in Bonoan Boquig, Dagupan City. His remains lie in state at the Garden of Eden Funeral Chapel along De Venecia Highway, Calasiao Pangasinan. Velasco, 72, passed away in the Grace of Our Lord, on Jan. 25. Prayers please for his eternal rest)

Photo: Manny Pacquiao poses with Chinese tycoon Jack Ma in Hong Kong on Sunday.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center  in Brick City
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Weights From ‘Mielnicki vs. Huerta’ Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Boquiren to face Olmillo in RFL on April 18
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • USA Opens Strong at 2026 Gee Bee Tournament In Helsinki
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Filipino chess prodigy Nika Juris Nicolas eyes Woman International Master title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in  Las Vegas
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • IBF lightweight eliminator tops IBA.PRO 17 card in Ufa
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Biasong fights Bustrillo on April 18 in Bukidnon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Olmillo fights Boquiren on April 18 in RFL
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.