‘I fought eight hands of Manny Pacquiao’: ex-rivals weigh up Pacman’s chances against Keith Thurman
- Jessie Vargas and Brandon Rios have both tasted the Filipino icon’s vicious speed in the ring
- Pair give Pacquiao the edge to beat unbeaten American Thurman next month
Manny Pacquiao’s former opponents have given the Philippines icon the edge when he challenges unbeaten American Keith “One Time” Thurman in their welterweight showdown next month.
And Brandon Rios, who fought and lost against Pacquiao, says the fighting senator would still have the speed and endurance to topple the 30-year-old Thurman. He said when he fought “Pacman” in Macau in 2013, he was “fighting eight hands of Manny Pacquiao”.
Rios told EsNews on YouTube that he’s convinced the 40-year-old Pacquiao has what it takes to continue his winning ways.
He believes Thurman might still be struggling with an elbow injury and other issues that had sidelined him for 22 months before he made his comeback by beating Josesito Lopez by majority decision in January.
Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) will face Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) for the WBA super world welterweight title on July 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.