Keith Thurman has gone biblical on Manny Pacquiao again ? but stopped short of apologising for his controversial ?crucify? remarks in their latest television interview to promote their WBA super welterweight showdown on July 20. This time the unbeaten American compared the deeply religious Filipino icon?s return to the ring to Jesus Christ?s resurrection. Pacquiao?s team said their man was ?p***** off? by Thurman?s original remark at a May press conference, and that the fighting senator was using it as fuel for his training. Many felt that was a mistake on the part of Thurman. But ?One Time? seemingly had it all planned, saying he hopes his words ?motivate? his opponent. ?This is my fight. He?s fighting for my belt. And yet, it?s as if the world has forgot. So I wanted to ? stab him a little bit, hit him where it hurts,? Thurman said on PBC?s Face to Face last weekend, making sharp jabbing motions as Pacquiao smiled.
?Because if he didn?t feel it, oh, his family felt it,? the 30-year-old added. ?When I said I was gonna crucify the man, they said, ?Oh! Ah!? It?s almost as if they had a crown of thorns on their heads themselves. They felt it. ?Now we all know that Jesus Christ was resurrected. But not to walk this world again. He was in spirit. He gave messages. He gives guidance. He is forever loved. And Manny Pacquiao, when he retires, he too will be forever loved.?
Much has been made of the age difference in this fight. Pacquiao is 40 years old, with his former long-time promoter Bob Arum expressing fears he could suffer ?brain damage? the longer he goes on. ?I just believe the hourglass is almost finished,? Thurman said. ?He doesn?t have much left. Go play basketball, Manny! You say you like to play basketball every day. Go shoot hoops with the guys, man!? Pacquiao has laughed off any fears for his health in the build-up to this fight, however, with his coach detailing his ?freakish? ability to recover and his intense fitness regimen, which is fuelled by eating 7,000 calories a day.
While Thurman admitted the eight-time division world champion is in great shape for his age, he said that doesn?t count for much in the ring. ?I?ve watched Manny for many years, this is the first time truly being face to face. I?m trying to look for some grey hair, I don?t really see much,? Thurman said. ?He don?t look too aged, he?s got that Asian blood in him, he still looks like he?s 15 years old. But does he move like he?s 15? After he gets punched, is he going to be able to recover like the young fighter? ?He said I felt good [after the Adrien Broner fight],? Thurman said. ?In my head at home I said, ?He felt good because he didn?t get punched in the face, he felt good because he didn?t get punched in the body?. How good is he gonna feel after 12 rounds of boxing with your man right here, Keith ?One Time? Thurman??
