Manny Pacquiao defeats Keith Thurman on points in stunning victory to reclaim world title at 40
- Filipino dominates from beginning against younger, unbeaten opponent
- Pacquiao claims split decision victory over defending WBA welterweight champion
Manny Pacquiao snatched the WBA strap from Keith Thurman on points in Las Vegas on Saturday night with an incredible performance that catapulted the Filipino back to the top of the welterweight division at 40 years of age.
Controversy was narrowly avoided when Pacquiao got the nod by split decision 115-112, 115-112, 113-114, with one judge inexplicably awarding honours to Thurman.
In reality, the previously unbeaten Thurman was given a boxing lesson by the veteran, who improved his record to 62 wins, seven losses and two draws as he reclaimed a world title six months after his previous win against Adrien Broner.
After the fight, a gracious Thurman (29-1, one no contest) all but admitted he had been outclassed by Pacquiao.
The Filipino stunned observers at the MGM Grand when he began the bout like a hurricane and had the 30-year-old Thurman on his back in the opening round after a pinpoint right hook landed flush on the American.