Pacquiao returns to LA to begin prep against Thurman

FILE: “#TeamPacquiao” (Photo: @mannypacquiao/Instagram)

Forty-year-old eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao gets ready to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title by flying to Los Angeles for his final phase of training in preparation for his upcoming July 20 match against Keith Thurman, which will be held in Las Vegas.

The Filipino representative was accompanied by his head trainer Buboy Fernandez and adviser Sean Gibbons, already spotted hitting the running along the trail at Griffith Park last Monday, June 17 – a day after his arrival. The park is “where [Manny] gets additional strength,” according to Fernandez.

The chief also revealed, “Manny’s 80 percent prepared to move into the next phase of our program,” while strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune begs to differ. He stated, “Manny’s 70 percent in shape to undergo a more rigorous procedure in his preparations,” but added, “He’s more than ready. Whether it’s 80 percent or 70 percent doesn’t matter. They’re only numbers, anyway. Fact is, Manny’s ready to move on to the next step.” 

Fortune also believes “Manny hasn’t slowed down,” explaining, “He’s out to prove something against Thurman. All that talk about his age is annoying him. I think he’s more enthusiastic, quicker and stronger than before. Obviously, he’s gotten smarter with more experience,” referring to the boxers’ highly talked about 10-year age-gap.

Prior to flying to North America, Pacquiao concluded his Philippine training at Elorde Gym in Pasay as he sparred against international fighters Jestoni Autida, Jaber Zayani, and Tim Tszyu.

Currently, Pacquiao’s career has resulted in 61 wins,  seven losses, two draws with 31 knockouts, while Thurman is spotless with 29 wins and 0 losses with 22 knockouts. In anticipating their battle, Pacquiao believes his opponent is “a loudmouth outside the ring,” exclaiming, “Let’s see if he can back it up inside the ring.”