Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring at 46 years old has sparked debate and controversy in the boxing world. The Filipino legend's recent fight against Mario Barrios in July ended in a controversial majority decision draw, marking the end of a four-year hiatus.
Keith Thurman, who lost to Pacquiao in 2019, has made some bold claims about the former eight-division world champion's in-ring behavior. In an interview with YSM Sports Media, Thurman accused Pacquiao of acting as his own referee during fights.
"I don't know how much you know about Manny Pacquiao's history, he calls his own breaks, he calls his own low blows, he'll deduct a point when he wants to, so you have to be careful with Manny Pacquiao being his own judge in there."
Thurman's accusations stem from their 2019 bout, where Pacquiao won by split decision. That victory made Pacquiao the oldest welterweight champion at 40 and handed Thurman the only defeat of his career.
Despite the controversy, Thurman expressed interest in a rematch. He said,
"You know it's hard, there's a part of me that would love to have the opportunity to come back to this arena to fight Manny Pacquiao again."
But Thurman isn't the only name in the mix for Pacquiao's next fight. Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao's advisor, has suggested Rolly Romero and Gervonta Davis as potential opponents. There's also talk of a possible bout with former IBF super lightweight champion Liam Paro in Australia, the site of Pacquiao's 2017 loss to Jeff Horn.
The boxing world waits with bated breath to see when, where, and against whom Pacquiao will fight next. The decision rests squarely on the shoulders of the Filipino boxing icon himself.
