Lean Pacquiao sweats it out; Thurman way overweight

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman are a study in contrast as far as work ethic and self-discipline are concerned.

Less than two months before their World Boxing Association title duel on Saturday, July 20, (Sunday, July 21, Philippine time), the 40-year-old Pacquiao already looked trim and fit to step into the ring.

In contrast, Thurman, only 30, was visibly bloated and far from fighting shape during their New York City and Los Angeles press tour recently. (READ: Penciled to lose, Manny Pacquiao relishes underdog role)

Fact is, Pacquiao is hovering around the 147-pound weight limit, while Thurman, two inches taller at 5-foot-7 ½ and naturally bigger, needs to shed off excess poundage for their scheduled 12-rounder at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Of course, Pacquiao is only a bulked up welterweight who needs to eat 5 times daily during training so as not to be underweight on fight night. He also plays basketball regularly for hours so he never exceeds 152 pounds.

Thurman, on the other hand, has a sweet tooth and tends to go fat during training break.

Of course, Thurman promised he’d be on point when the official weigh-in comes and Pacquiao, the WBA “regular” champion knows the unbeaten  WBA  “super” titlist would be ready. (READ: Thurman says ready to ‘crucify’ Pacquiao)

That’s why Pacquiao is wasting no time preparing himself for training camp to be supervised by Vice Mayor-elect Buboy Fernandez and conditioning coach Justin Fortune in Manila and General Santos City. Pacquiao intends to proceed to Hollywood on June 20 for the final phase of training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym.

On Friday afternoon, hours after arriving from the press tour, Pacquiao hit the gym with assistant trainer Nonoy Neri doing the mitts as Fernandez wasn’t feeling well.

On Saturday, Pacquiao returned to the Elorde Gym near Mall of Asia for more workouts.

He wants to be at his best and hopes Thurman will be on the same level when they unify the WBA welterweight title. – Rappler.com