KEITH Thurman ended the hasty, two-city press tour of his July 20 title fight with Manny Pacquuao the way he started it.
The 30-year-old Thurman was firm in asserting he will end the boxing legend of Pacquiao once they finally face each other in the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas two months from now.
At the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles on Thursday (Manila time), the unbeaten American referred to his 40-year-old opponent as a ‘bunny rabbit’ whose legendary career is nearing its end.
“I’m destroying the legend of Manny Pacquiao. His legacy ends on July 20 and mine begins,” said the brash-talking Thurman, unbeaten in 29 fights, with 22 KOs. “All Manny does is hop around in the ring. I’m not going to lose to a bunny rabbit.”
“He’s an inspiration to many people throughout the world, and everyone respects him. But I’m respectfully going to finish him.”
Thurman had earlier vowed to retire the Filipino boxing great during the first leg of the press tour held in Gotham City in New York.
Pacquiao has initially tried to shrug off the loudmouth from Clearwater, Florida, but this time appeared to be in the good mood to exchange banter with Thurman.
“Keith Thurman is aggressive and throws a lot of punches. I’m hoping on July 20 he will follow through with what he says and fight toe-to-toe with me,” said Pacquiao (61-7-2, with 39 KOs).
“He said he’s young, but we’ll see who looks young in the ring on July 20. I’m going to let my fists say everything for me,” said the Filipino senator. “My experience will be very important for this fight. It’s going to be useful against an undefeated fighter. I’m going to give him the experience of losing for the first time.”
With all the talking over and done with, both fighters are expected to start their respective training camps and prepare for what many sees as a possible Fight of the Year candidate.
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