“TINGNAN NATIN KUNG SINO ANG MAS BATA SA ATIN”- PACMAN

ISINUSUMPA ni Keith Thurman na pagreretiruhin daw niya talaga si Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, sabi niya ito kahapon nang magharap ang dalawa sa isang ‘verbal jabs’ bago pa man sumapit ang World Boxing Association battle para sa kanilang welterweight fight sa U.S.

Haharapin ni undefeated Thurman, 30, si Pacman sa Las Vegas sa Hulyo 20 para sa isang labanang tampok ang WBA “super world champion” laban sa “secondary world champion”.

Nagbalik si Thurman (29-0, with 22 knockouts) mula sa 2-taon na pamama­hinga at napana­tili ang titulo sa 12-round majority decision kontra Jose­sito Lopez noong Enero 26.

Si eight-division champion Pacquiao, na huling lumaban sa isang one-sided demolition noong Enero ay 10-taon na mas matanda kaysa American opponent.

Nang magharap ang dalawa sa press conference sa Beverly Hills kahapon, muling ipinangako ni Thur­man na makikita ang kaiba­han nila ni Pacman sa edad.

“Pacquiao’s last fight, Pacquiao’s last fight,” pagdiriin ni Thurman kasunod ng sumpa niyang titilarin niya ang 40-anyos na Pinoy icon. “I’m destroying the legend of Manny Pacquiao,” saad ni Thurman. “His legacy ends on July 20. He’s had a wonderful career, and been an inspiration. We all love him and respect him. And I’m respectfully going to kick the shit out of him.

“This is a big fight as far as the stage. But it’s a big fight against a little guy. I’ve dismantled veterans in the past, and throughout my career. I would have destroyed him five years ago. He’s never fought a fighter like me with the lateral movement, speed and power. He’s never fought anyone this young, strong and hungry and I’m coming for him. I know he likes to quote Bible verses so I’ll let you know — he’s getting crucified.”

Natawa na lang sa kabilang banda si Pacquiao sa mga banta ni Thurman. “All I can say is that most of my opponents say things before a fight,” saad ni Pacquiao. “That’s what I hear from them - ‘I’m easy to beat’. But when we get into the ring it changes. We’ll see who’s young in the ring on July 20. I don’t like trash-talking before a fight. I’m going to let my fists do the talking.” Planong hatiin ni Pac­quiao ang kanyang training camp sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Los Angeles at muli siyang gagabayan ng kanyang long-time trainer na si Freddie Roach na nagbalik sa poder niya. (MC)