Boxing: Pacquiao outpoints Thurman, gains WBA welterweight belt | ABS-CBN

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Boxing: Pacquiao outpoints Thurman, gains WBA welterweight belt

Boxing: Pacquiao outpoints Thurman, gains WBA welterweight belt

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Jul 21, 2019 01:52 PM PHT

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Manny Pacquiao (white trunks) and Keith Thurman (red/white/blue trunks) box during their WBA welterweight championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

MANILA, Philippines – (2nd UPDATE) A first round knockdown set the tone for Manny Pacquiao as he out-pointed American boxer Keith Thurman in their highly anticipated WBA welterweight showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

At 40-years-old, the "Pacman" still displayed tremendous speed, punching power, and a tough chin en route to claiming a split decision over Thurman, a man 10 years younger.

One judge scored the bout 114-113 for Thurman, but the two other judges saw it in Pacquiao's favor, 115-112, giving the Filipino the victory – and the WBA welterweight championship in what was his 28th world title fight.

"He did his best, and I did my best, so the people are happy," said Pacquiao, who had his name chanted by the partisan MGM crowd all night long.

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"Thurman… he did his best, he's not an easy opponent. He's a good boxer, he's strong, and I'm just blessed tonight," he added.

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Pacquiao improved his record to 62 wins, with 7 losses and 2 draws. Thurman, meanwhile, lost for the first time in his professional career to drop to 29-1.

It was an action-packed bout right from the opening bell, with both fighters immediately showing their aggression. While Thurman landed some dangerous punches with his right, it was Pacquiao who served notice of his intentions towards the closing stretch of the first round.

A left hand to the body followed by a right hand to head dropped Thurman with 20 seconds left in Round 1, causing the MGM Grand crowd to wild in anticipation of an early knockout. Thurman survived, however, and made it to the second.

Pacquiao would control the next couple of rounds, breaking through Thurman's guard with his jab before unleashing his right hand. A right counter punch towards the end of the fifth round opened up a cut on Thurman's left cheek, and the American had to cover up as Pacquiao teed off on him.

Thurman got his rhythm in the middle of the fight, and was at his best in the seventh round when he landed several clean punches – including a straight right hand that snapped Pacquiao's head back. The Filipino boxer simply smiled through Thurman's efforts, however, and landed an uppercut in the closing seconds that wobbled Thurman again.

Pacquiao had Thurman in trouble in the tenth round, when he landed a massive shot to the American's liver with his left. Thurman bent over, and then backed up for most of the round as Pacquiao stalked him around the ring.

Thurman would survive to make it to the 11th round, and showed renewed aggression in the final two rounds in an effort to catch up on the scorecards. Pacquiao, however, had an answer for every Thurman punch and the two exchanged blows until the final bell.

"He's not an easy opponent," Pacquiao said immediately of Thurman, who spent the build-up to the fight vowing to "retire" and "crucify" the Filipino icon. "He's a good boxer."

Statistics showed that Pacquiao was the busier fighter, throwing 686 punches over 12 rounds. He landed 195 of them, including 113 power punches.

Thurman, however, was the more accurate boxer. He landed 210 of 571 punches for a 36.8% rate, including 192 power punches.

The American, after talking trash for most of fight week, was gracious in his defeat.

"He got the knockdown, so he had momentum in round 1," said Thurman. "Manny Pacquiao is truly a great, great, legendary champion. The Senator . . . got the victory over me."

"My conditioning and my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao," he added. "But it was a great night of boxing, and I would love a rematch."

If a rematch happens, it may not be until 2020.

"My next fight will probably be next year," said Pacquiao. "I'm busy after this fight."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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UAAP: De Jesus tips hat to Lady Bulldogs, Meneses — ‘Very solid yung NU’

UAAP: De Jesus tips hat to Lady Bulldogs, Meneses — ‘Very solid yung NU’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

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The National University Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 87. Photo from UAAP Media.The National University Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 87. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University head coach Ramil de Jesus had a front row seat to National University's display of their prowess on Sunday, as the Lady Bulldogs opened their title defense with a victory.

The Sherwin Meneses-mentored team got one over de Jesus and his Lady Spikers, with NU sweeping La Salle on Sunday.

The veteran coach was admittedly in awe of the impressive performance of the hitters from Jhocson Street.

“Very solid yung NU,” the multi-titled coach commented. “Kumbaga, kilalang-kilala nila yung isa't isa. Yun ang isa sa mga strengths nila. Dahil sa tagal nila magkakasama. Alam nila yung weaknesses, and alam nila yung strengths.”

De Jesus also commended Meneses who took over the spot that NU’s former tactician left, Season 86 champion mentor Norman Miguel.

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“Happy ako para sa kanya, kasi halos lahat ng team na napuntahan niya, maayos and buo,” said de Jesus. “Yung pinapasok niyang sistema unti-unti nang nakukuha.”

Meneses’ system would be crucial for the present core of Lady Bulldogs as they have won two championships since 2022, with Bella Belen and the rest of the squad winning Season 84 with Karl Dimaculangan and just last year with Miguel.

However, de Jesus emphasized that the main foundation of this success -- aside from their coaches -- is the solid volleyball program of NU from high school to the collegiate ranks.

“Actually, yung NU, hindi lang naman yung Season 84 eh,” he said. “Since sa high school, magkakasama na yun. So, magtagal na talaga sila magkakasama.”

“Advantage talaga na yun. And then, alam din nila kung paanong hindi sila mara-rattle. Alam nila kung sino yung go-to-guy talaga, so very solid yung NU,” he continued.

And this, acknowledged de Jesus, is a design that is very challenging to sustain.

“Every year nag-evolve yung volleyball eh,” he said. “So, ang challenge ngayon eh, kung kayang maka-adapt nung, lalo na recruitment kasi yung problema eh.”

“Pag medyo active ka sa pagre-recruit, and then yung lahat ng Class A na player yung makukuha mo, advantage yun.”

“Pero kung makakakuha ka ng Class B, napakahirap i-develop, and then isabay doon sa Class A? Mahabang proseso yun,” added de Jesus, who is now on his 28th year as Lady Spikers head coach.

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