Keith Thurman Should Watch Out For Manny Pacquiao's 'Uppercut,' Freddie Roach Says

Coach Freddie Roach said Keith Thurman should watch out for Manny Pacquiao's "uppercut."

Two of the best welterweight fighters in the world are just days away from finally meeting each other inside the boxing ring. WBA welterweight champ Thurman and future hall of famer Pacquiao are set to collide on Saturday, and both fighters need no promoting as the whole world seems to be looking forward to their superfight.

For every big fight, predictions and analyses are often shared by boxing experts and even other professional boxers. Pacquiao's past opponents recently stated their thoughts ahead of Pacquio and Thurman's bout, but nothing could be more accurate than an analysis coming from Roach, a person who has witnessed first-hand how Pacquiao really does his thing inside the ring.

According to Roach, who recently spoke with Fight Hub TV, Pacquiao will be able to stop Thurman in later rounds. And this could be very possible as the world has witnessed the power and speed of Pacquiao even in the so-called "championship rounds" or rounds 10 to 12.

Roach also said he wants the Filipino legend to stay active and run the regular champ over in the fight. But he added that what Thurman should really watch out for is Pacquiao's uppercut.

Pacquiao, for his part, has already made a bold prediction about a week ago, claiming that the fight will not reach 12 rounds. He had also mastered using Thurman's trash talk as motivation to upset the flamboyant champ and his fans.

In a recent interview after an intense training session at the Wild Card Gym, Pacquiao challenged Thurman to "talk more" as their bout approaches, Philstar Global reported. "Padaldalin mo lang (He can say whatever he wants)," Pacquiao's said.

Thurman has been running his mouth almost the entire time since the superfight was announced. But after all, Pacquiao has kept a cool head and confirmed that he is not mad at Thurman at all.

"Hindi naman ako galit (I'm not mad)," Pacquiao revealed.

This is not the first time Pacquiao has faced a loudmouth opponent. One of heaviest trash-talkers the legend has crossed paths with was Mexican fighter Brandon Rios. But recently, Pacquiao admitted that Thurman reminds him of former champ Miguel Cotto.

It is hard not to consider Roach's statements ahead of the bout. Of all people in Pacquiao's camp, Roach has the most knowledge and experience in boxing. Needless to say, Pacquiao's long-time coach and trainer is sensing a first knockout win for his fighter at 147-lb division.