Manny Pacquiao ‘crucify’ taunt explained as Keith Thurman gets biblical again with his trash talk

Keith Thurman has gone biblical on Manny Pacquiao again – but stopped short of apologising for his controversial “crucify” remarks in their latest television interview to promote their WBA super welterweight showdown on July 20.

This time the unbeaten American compared the deeply religious Filipino icon’s return to the ring to Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Pacquiao’s team said their man was “p***** off” by Thurman’s original remark at a May press conference, and that the fighting senator was using it as fuel for his training. Many felt that was a mistake on the part of Thurman. But “One Time” seemingly had it all planned, saying he hopes his words “motivate” his opponent.

“This is my fight. He’s fighting for my belt. And yet, it’s as if the world has forgot. So I wanted to … stab him a little bit, hit him where it hurts,” Thurman said on PBC’s Face to Face last weekend, making sharp jabbing motions as Pacquiao smiled.

“Because if he didn’t feel it, oh, his family felt it,” the 30-year-old added. “When I said I was gonna crucify the man, they said, ‘Oh! Ah!’ It’s almost as if they had a crown of thorns on their heads themselves. They felt it.

“Now we all know that Jesus Christ was resurrected. But not to walk this world again. He was in spirit. He gave messages. He gives guidance. He is forever loved. And Manny Pacquiao, when he retires, he too will be forever loved.”