NANGAKO si Keith Thurman na pagreretiruhin na niya si Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao sa pagpapalitan ng dalawang boksingero ng verbal jabs bago ang kanilang World Boxing Association bout para sa welterweight supremacy.
Makakasagupa ng wala pang talong si Thurman, 30, si Pacquiao sa Las Vegas sa Hulyo 20 sa bakbakan sa pagitan ng WBA’s ‘super world champion’ at ng body’s secondary ‘world’ champion.
Si Thurman (29-0, na may 22 knockouts) ay nagbalik mula sa halos dalawang taong pahinga upang mapanatili ang kanyang titulo sa pamamagitan ng 12-round majority decision laban kay Josesito Lopez noong Enero 26.
Si eight-division champion Pacquiao, na galing sa one-sided demolition kay Adrien Broner noong Enero, ay mas matanda ng 10 taon sa kanyang American opponent.
Sa paghaharap ng dalawang fighters sa isang press conference sa Beverly Hills noong Miyerkoles, nangako si Thurman na ito na ang magiging huling laban ng Filipino ring icon.
“Pacquiao’s last fight, Pacquiao’s last fight,” wika ni Thurman, kasabay ng pangakong dudurugin ang 40-anyos na fighting senator.
“I’m destroying the legend of Manny Pacquiao,” ani Thurman. “His legacy ends on July 20. He’s had a wonderful career, and been an inspiration. We all love him and respect him. And I’m respectfully going to kick the shit out of him.
“This is a big fight as far as the stage. But it’s a big fight against a little guy. I’ve dismantled veterans in the past, and throughout my career. I would have destroyed him five years ago.
“I know he likes to quote Bible verses so I’ll let you know — he’s getting crucified.”
Tinawanan lang ni Pacquiao ang pagbabanta ni Thurman.
“All I can say is that most of my opponents say things before a fight,” aniya. “That’s what I hear from them – ‘I’m easy to beat’. But when we get into the ring it changes. We’ll see who’s young in the ring on July 20.
“I don’t like trash-talking before a fight. I’m going to let my fists do the talking.” – Agence France-Presse
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