Manny Pacquiao beats Keith Thurman by split decision
Manny Pacquiao knocked down Keith Thurman in the first round and persevered for an exciting split-decision victory Saturday night, adding a third straight win to his career resurgence after turning 40 years old.
Pacquiao (62-7-2) dropped his previously unbeaten opponent with a combination late in the first round, and the Pac-Man dominated the opening rounds with a combination of flair and power that recalled the incredible prime of the only eight-division champion in boxing history.
Thurman (29-1) showed remarkable tenacity in rallying through the middle rounds, repeatedly testing Pacquiao's chin with big shots.
Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the second round during a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP PhotoJohn Locher)
Two judges scored the bout 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Glenn Feldman scored it 114-113 for Thurman. The Associated Press also scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao.
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Manny Pacquiao, reacts after knocking down Keith Thurman in the first round during a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP PhotoJohn Locher)
Keith Thurman gets up after being knocked down by Manny Pacquiao in the first round during a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP PhotoJohn Locher)