LAS VEGAS – Forty-year-old Welterweight Manny Pacquiao not only defeated Keith Thurman by split decision Saturday night in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but he landed a punch or two against father time.
Pacquiao knocked Thurman down in the first with a flash left-right combination that didn’t seem to hurt Thurman, but became vital as the fight progressed.
Pacquiao took Thurman’s WBA Super Welterweight title and handed the previously undefeated champion his first loss in 30 fights.
Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight division champion ever, moved his future hall of fame record to 62-7-2 with 39 knockouts. Thurman fell to 29-1 with 23 knockouts.
Pacquiao used blistering hand speed, sharp foot work and active power that belied his age and dominated the early rounds. Thurman began pressing his opponent in the fith round, moving forward and backing up Pacquiao with pressure and solid right hands. Thurman countered and had his best moments when he pressed Pacquiao, who flashed brillance early and finished strong to grab the win.
The official score was a split decision, with Thurman winning on one card, 114-113, while the other two judges scored the bout for Pacquiao 115-112. WNYNewsNow scored it 115-112 for the aging legend.
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