Former world welterweight champion Keith Thurman is picking WBC and IBF world welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. to crush Manny Pacquiao when the two contenders meet inside the ring on August 21.
“I do respect Pacquiao but I favor Spence,” Thurman said in an interview with Fighthype.com.
“Just because of size, youth, and then ultimately when was the last time we saw Pacquiao against a world-class southpaw? Styles make fights especially against Manny Pacquiao we’ve seen throughout in his career many different times,” he added.
Thurman understands what it resembles to get in the ring with the Filipino boxing symbol, having lost to him in his last battle in July 2019 through split choice. Therefore, Thurman says it is inappropriate to forget about Pacquiao.
His number one attribute is that speed, and power coming in awkward little angles with that burst of energy. I do believe that is something Errol has not seen in his career,” he said.
“Punches the way that Pacquiao punches, but I was able to walk Pac down by keeping my guard up. Spence is really good in his guard. I think he’ll be able to do what he needs to do in the fight, but I’m not saying Pacquiao is out of it.”
The 42-year-old Pacquiao has recently started his preparations for Errol Spence. The official venue of the mega showdown is yet to be announced.