Pacquiao vs. Thurman Update: Pacman Says Thurman Was 'Kind Of Slow,' Expects Young Boxer To Work Hard

Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao believes his next opponent Keith Thurman will be a much better fighter this time as the young boxer was "kind of slow" in his last fight.

Just over two days ago, former WBC welterweight title holder Keith Thurman once again commented on the boxing skills of the legendary Manny Pacquiao. Thurman confidently believes that he is a better fighter and emphasized that Pacquiao, to him, is too small, slow and predictable.

But in a recent interview, Pacquiao said that he watched Thurman's last fight and fired back at his next opponent's performance but in more technical and professional way.

"He was kind of slow and I think he underestimated his opponent,” Pacquiao told Boxing Scene

“He was not in 100-percent condition in that fight,” Pacquiao added.

At some point during the interview, Pacman managed to be humble when asked about his expectations.

"I expect him to be 100 percent. He will work hard and prepare well for this fight. I don’t want to underestimate Keith. He’s 30 years old. He will work hard, I’m sure, for this fight,” Pacquiao emphasized.

Prior to this, Pacman has already provided some insights about Thurman in an exclusive interview with World Boxing News, more specifically, regarding the injury that the 30-year old boxer once incurred in the past and how the fight will be. Pacquiao also thought that Thurman experienced a bit of ring rust during his last fight but assumes that it will not happen when they finally meet inside the boxing ring.

“I would say Keith Thurman has looked rusty in the past. I do not think that will be an issue when we fight because he has already fought once this year. I anticipate an action fight from him,” Pacquiao said.

Indeed, there have been lots of trash talks and insults being thrown at each other by the two title contenders. Like most of Pacquiao's previous fights, it is kind of hard to determine if all the trash-talking was real or it is just the most effective way of promoting the fight.

Some believe that Thurman has already past his prime and that the major injury he incurred have affected him so much. A former champion and also another big name in boxing Amir Khan once said in an interview with World Boxing News that being out in the boxing ring for quite some time may have affected Thurman's performance badly. Khan also predicts that the fight will be an easy fight for Pacquiao and even emphasized that the legend looks younger even during the last fight with Broner.

Needless to say, a boxing title fight involving a boxing icon like Pacquiao and young and thirsty for redemption Thurman is truly an exciting match. The bout is for the WBA Welterweight belt and is set to take place in the legendary MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20, 2019.