Pacquiao Vs. Thurman: Who Won The Epic Showdown?

Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the most talked-about boxing matches in recent history: the clash between the legendary Manny Pacquiao and the then-undefeated Keith Thurman. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, wondering who would emerge victorious. So, let’s get straight to the point: Who actually won the Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight?

The Epic Battle: Pacquiao vs. Thurman

The fight took place on July 20, 2019, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The hype surrounding this welterweight title bout was insane. Pacquiao, an icon with multiple world titles across different weight classes, was looking to add another significant win to his already stellar career. Thurman, on the other hand, was eager to defend his WBA (Super) welterweight title and prove that he was the top dog in the division. The match was billed as a clash between experience and youth, power and speed, and it absolutely lived up to the expectations.

From the opening bell, the energy in the arena was electric. Pacquiao came out aggressively, showcasing his incredible speed and relentless attack. In the very first round, he landed a shot that sent Thurman reeling, immediately setting the tone for the fight. Thurman, known for his toughness and resilience, absorbed the early pressure and began to find his rhythm. He started landing some powerful punches of his own, testing Pacquiao's legendary chin. The middle rounds saw a back-and-forth exchange, with both fighters having their moments. Pacquiao's footwork and combinations were a sight to behold, while Thurman's power punches kept Pacquiao honest. As the fight went into the later rounds, the pace remained high, with both fighters digging deep and showing incredible heart. The final rounds were a testament to their conditioning and determination, as they continued to trade blows until the final bell. The crowd was on its feet, roaring with every punch, knowing they were witnessing a truly epic battle. After 12 grueling rounds, the decision was left in the hands of the judges, and the anticipation was palpable.

The Verdict: And the Winner Is...

After a thrilling 12-round battle, Manny Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman by split decision. The judges' scorecards read 115-112, 115-112 in favor of Pacquiao, and 114-113 for Thurman. This victory not only secured Pacquiao the WBA (Super) welterweight title but also made him the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history at the age of 40. It was a historic moment that cemented his legacy even further. The split decision, however, sparked some debate among fans and analysts, with some believing that Thurman had done enough to earn the victory. Nevertheless, the official result stood, and Pacquiao added another incredible chapter to his legendary career.

Key Moments That Defined the Fight

Several key moments throughout the fight ultimately swayed the judges' decision in Pacquiao's favor. Here’s a closer look:

• First-Round Knockdown: Pacquiao came out with a bang, knocking Thurman down in the very first round. This early knockdown not only gave Pacquiao a significant lead on the scorecards but also sent a message to Thurman that he was in for a tough night. The impact of this moment cannot be overstated, as it set the tone for the rest of the fight and forced Thurman to fight from behind.
• Pacquiao's Relentless Pace: Throughout the fight, Pacquiao maintained a high pace, constantly moving and throwing punches. His relentless pressure made it difficult for Thurman to establish his rhythm and land clean shots. Pacquiao's ability to sustain this level of activity at the age of 40 was truly remarkable and a testament to his incredible conditioning.
• Effective Combinations: Pacquiao's signature combinations were on full display, as he peppered Thurman with a variety of punches from different angles. His ability to mix up his attacks and land effectively kept Thurman guessing and prevented him from mounting a sustained offense. These combinations not only scored points but also wore Thurman down over time.
• Thurman's Resilience: Despite being knocked down and facing constant pressure, Thurman showed incredible resilience and heart. He absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment and continued to fight back, landing some powerful shots of his own. His ability to withstand Pacquiao's onslaught and remain competitive until the final bell was a testament to his toughness and determination.

The Aftermath: What Happened Next?

Following his victory over Thurman, Manny Pacquiao continued to be a significant figure in the boxing world. There was talk of potential fights against other top welterweights, including Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, but none of those materialized immediately. Pacquiao eventually faced Yordenis Ugás in August 2021, losing by unanimous decision. After that fight, Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing to focus on his political career in the Philippines.

Keith Thurman, after his loss to Pacquiao, took some time off to recover and reassess his career. He returned to the ring in February 2022, defeating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision. Thurman has expressed his desire to compete against the top fighters in the welterweight division and regain his status as a world champion. The loss to Pacquiao served as a valuable learning experience, and he aims to use that to fuel his comeback.

The Impact on Pacquiao's Legacy

Pacquiao's victory over Thurman further solidified his status as one of the greatest boxers of all time. At 40 years old, he proved that age is just a number and that he could still compete at the highest level. The win added another major accomplishment to his already incredible resume, which includes multiple world titles in eight different weight divisions. Pacquiao's longevity, skill, and dedication have made him an inspiration to fighters and fans around the world. His impact on the sport of boxing is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Why This Fight Was So Significant

The Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight was more than just a boxing match; it was a clash of generations and styles. Pacquiao, the veteran, was looking to prove that he still had what it takes to compete against the young lions of the welterweight division. Thurman, the younger, undefeated champion, was determined to establish himself as the top fighter in the weight class. The fight represented a passing of the torch moment, with Pacquiao defying expectations and showing that experience and skill can overcome youth and power. The match captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide and delivered a memorable night of action and drama. It was a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that make boxing such a compelling sport.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Boxing experts and analysts were divided in their pre-fight predictions, with some favoring Thurman's youth and power, while others believed in Pacquiao's experience and skill. After the fight, opinions remained mixed, with some arguing that Thurman had done enough to win, while others felt that Pacquiao's early knockdown and consistent pressure were the deciding factors. Regardless of their opinions, most experts agreed that the fight was a close and competitive battle that showcased the best of both fighters. The split decision reflected the difficulty in scoring the fight and the different perspectives of the judges. The debate surrounding the outcome only added to the intrigue and legacy of the match.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember

The Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight was a thrilling and memorable event that will be talked about for years to come. Manny Pacquiao's victory was a testament to his incredible skill, determination, and longevity. Keith Thurman's performance, despite the loss, showed his toughness and potential to be a top fighter in the welterweight division. The fight was a reminder of the excitement and drama that make boxing such a captivating sport. Whether you were rooting for Pacquiao or Thurman, there's no denying that it was a night to remember. So, to answer the question, Pacquiao won, and he did it in spectacular fashion!