Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao on Saturday rolled back the years to become the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history, with a thrilling split-decision victory over WBA champion Keith Thurman.
The 40-year-old Pacquiao, 10 years older than the previously undefeated Thurman, delivered a vintage performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, to leave the sell-out crowd of 14,356 roaring its approval.
Pacquiao floored Thurman with an electrifying combination in the first round and remained on the front foot throughout a pulsating 12-round duel.
Photo: AFP
Although the bloodied Thurman rallied in the later rounds to narrow Pacquiao’s lead, the judges scored it in the Filipino’s favor. Two judges scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao, with the third scoring it 114-113 for Thurman.
A jubilant Pacquiao punched the air as the arena erupted after the victory was confirmed.
“It was fun,” Pacquiao said afterward. “My opponent is a good fighter and boxer. He was strong.”
Thurman had riled Pacquiao in the build-up to the fight by vowing to “crucify” his deeply religious opponent, and later promising to send the Filipino icon into retirement.
Pacquiao, who improved to 62-7-2 with 39 knockouts, was gracious in victory.
“I’m not that kind of boxer who talks a lot. We were just promoting the fight,” he said. “He’s a good boxer and he’s strong. I was just blessed tonight.”
Pacquiao, who earned an estimated US$20 million from the fight, is a major player in the competitive welterweight division once again after capturing Thurman’s WBA welterweight “super” champion belt.
The eight-division world champion said that he would return to the Philippines to resume his work as a senator before deciding on his next move inside the ring.
“I think I will fight next year,” he said. “I will go back to the Philippines and work and then make a decision.”
Meanwhile, Thurman had few complaints in defeat, embracing Pacquiao after the final bell in recognition of an epic contest.
“I knew it was too close,” Thurman said. “He got the knockdown, so he had momentum in round one. This was a beautiful night of boxing. I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe. I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. I would love the rematch.”
Earlier, a pumped-up Pacquiao had danced into the ring to the strains of Rocky movie anthem Eye of the Tiger to bring the crowd to its feet.
Deafening chants of “Manny, Manny” rolled around the packed arena as Pacquiao immediately set about building an advantage.
Toward the end of the round, the crowd erupted as Pacquiao sent Thurman crashing to the canvas, uncorking a left to the ribs before detonating a right hand on the American’s jaw.
That set the tone for the early rounds, with Pacquiao urging Thurman on before employing his superior hand speed and footwork.
A dazzling combination wobbled Thurman again at the end of the second, and Pacquiao delighted the crowd with an Ali shuffle as the round closed.
Although Thurman improved, Pacquiao was able to control the tempo and had Thurman in trouble again in the fifth round, with blood pouring from his mouth.
However, Thurman was in no mood to surrender and he came back into the fight, snapping Pacquiao’s head back with a right-cross, left-jab combination in the seventh round.
The younger Thurman appeared to be gaining momentum as the fight drew on, backing up Pacquiao with a clean combination in the eighth round.
But again, Pacquiao responded strongly, swarming forward in the ninth round to have Thurman rattled again.
With Pacquiao leading after the 10th and 11th rounds, Thurman came out for the final round knowing that he probably needed a knockout to win.
However, Pacquiao drew on all of his experience, skipping out of range cleverly to keep Thurman at bay and score a famous win.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely