Manny Pacquiao has been one of the biggest stars in boxing for several years now.
And, despite coming and going from the sport, Pacquiao remains a key figure.
On Saturday, July 20 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Pacquiao will meet unbeaten welterweight champion Keith Thurman live on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports pay-per-view. The card also features Caleb Plant defending his super middleweight belt vs. Mike Lee.
“I’ve never been scared of a challenge. I’m so excited for this fight against an undefeated champion. He’s the kind of fighter that you can’t underestimate. His record and successe gives me more motivation to work hard,” Pacquiao said. “I will make sure that I’m 100 percent and ready for this fight. We’ll find out what happens on July 20, but it’s going to be exciting. I like being the underdog for this fight because that gives me more focus in training.
“I’ve been careless and over confident in some fights, but this time around it’s different. Keith Thurman is a good fighter and we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20.”
Pacquiao, who will turn 41 years old this December, is coming off a decision victory over Adrien Broner in defense of his WBA welterweight title. He won the belt with a victory over Lucas Matthysse last year and is 4-1 over his last five fights.
“It’s a great honor for me to be fighting back in Las Vegas and on the FOX Sports pay-per-view. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said. “I chose Keith Thurman because he’s undefeated and I want to prove that at age 40 I can still beat a great fighter like Keith. My time is not yet over. My journey is continuing. I’m going to prove that and more on July 20 against Keith Thurman.
“I’m the kind of fighter that I don’t talk too much. I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring. He can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me.”