Nangako si eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao na kapag nakasilip siya ng tiyempo ay patutulugin niya ang mayabang na si WBA welterweight titlist Keith Thurman.

“I’m not predicting a knockout, I don’t want to be careless in the fight, but if he gives me the chance, why not,” paliwanag ni Pacquiao sa Fightnew.com. “I have to grab the opportunity to knock him out if its there. I think Thurman has speed, he’s quick, but I have to be careful in the fight, to make sure everything is fine.”

Naniniwala si Pacquiao na sa kanyang edad ay maraming nagdududa sa kanyang kakayahan ngunit patutunayan niya ang abilidad na nagdala sa kanya sa kasikatan.

“A lot of people are doubting my ability at the age of 40, so I have something to prove. Right now, I’m still hungry and still enjoying this, and still doing my best,” ani Pacquiao. “Believe me, this is very interesting fight for me, its been a long time since I’ve focused like this. [Thurman] is well prepared for this fight because he’s not fighting [Josesito] Lopez, he’s fighting Manny Pacquiao, so I expect him to work hard and to be 100%.”

Para naman sa matagal na niyang trainer na si Freddie Roach, maganda ang magiigng laban ni Pacquiao kay Thurman.

“He’s young and all that but I don’t think he’s the best Manny’s faced [since Floyd Mayweather]. He’s a good solid guy who should make for a very good fight,” diin ni Roach. “Talk’s talk, let’s see who really shows up. Thurman’s a strong guy, he’s a good puncher, but he hasn’t been in the ring with the speed that Manny Pacquiao has. Most people are overwhelmed with his speed once they get into the ring, even at 40 years old its as good as ever.”

-Gilbert Espeña