-L.jpg)
By Ponciano Melo Jr.
LOS ANGELES, California — Manny Pacquiao took some time off his grueling and intensifying training here as the Filipino boxing icon chose to rest for a day before heading back into the gym to continue the crucial stretch in his six-week training camp.
The temporary lull is no cause for concern though as the Pacman is putting in some extra work for his upcoming bout come July 20th against undefeated American boxer Keith Thurman Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thurman, who vowed "to retire" Pacquiao during a media gathering back in May has not winded down his trash talking.
Asked about the brass younger American fighter and how this could affect the bout in any way, Pacquiao, being the Pacquiao which we have grown accustomed to, just merely shrugged it off.
In an interview with Pacquiao in his LA mansion, the eight-division world champion chose to let Thurman's sly comments slide, even amid reports released saying that the remarks made by Thurman pissed Pacquiao off.
But instead of fighting back, the Filipino champ put the insult behind to be his motivation.
“I don’t want to get engaged with it, that’s too much negativity,” said Pacquiao during the intimate interview at his home.
The fighting Senator insisted that their side is more focus on dealing with Thurman on the ring rather than getting involved in a verbal fight.
He added that maintaining his discipline on and off the ring will help him win against Thurman as they continue to practice their game plan.
Pacquiao also assured that their match will bring excitement for everyone especially his home nation fans.
“This will be a great fight because first, he’s younger. He is way younger than me. He is the champion and undefeated at 29 wins, 22 knockouts and no loss. This will be a great fight and it will test my skill in the ring," Pacquiao said.
Going to the tale of the tape, Pacquiao, known for his insane quickness and power has a record of 61 wins including 39 knockouts with seven defeats and two draws. Thurman has 22 KOs in 29 wins with no defeat and one no-contest is known for his heavy punches.
And in their fight in July, Pacquiao will bank on his experience to put down "One Time" in Las Vegas.
For now, the Pacman rests, but expect him to grin it hard when the training camp shifts into a whole other gear in the days to come.
_____
Ponciano Melo writes another contributing article to Manila Standard Digital about Manny Pacquiao's upcoming fight against Keith Thurman. Melo is a freelance sports writer based in California, USA and has covered the NBA Finals, Boxing matches, and other sporting events in the United States.
-l.jpg&description=Humble%20Pacquiao%20maintains%20discipline%2C%20grace%20despite%20Thurman%20badmouthing){kind=link}