Once again, Manny Pacquiao proved that he can still compete at a championship level.
The 40-year old Pacquiao defeated the previously-undefeated Keith Thurman to become the new WBA (Super) Welterweight World Champion and record his 62nd professional win.
But it wasn’t an easy.
The 30-year old Thurman was far from outclassed, and in fact landed more punches than Pacquiao did throughout the 12-round contest.
Pacquiao went on to compare Thurman to a number of his previous foes including Antonio Margarito, who was also taller and managed to land punches in volume.
As for what’s next for the boxer-slash-senator, Pacquiao will be heading straight back to the Philippines in time for senatorial duties. Pacquiao is expected to join session on Monday, July 22nd. just a day after the fight.
In terms of in-ring action, Pacquiao says he’s targeting a January return, with the winner of Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr. being discussed as the possible next opponent in what would be a title-unification bout.
For now, Pacquiao says he needs to head home to fulfill his duties as a lawmaker.
