Thurman wants one-punch KO, hires two conditioning coaches

MANILA, Philippines – Keith Thurman intends to beat up Manny Pacquiao the same way the Filipino legend did to Oscar De La Hoya 11 years ago. The unbeaten American even wants to do it in a more severe manner.

While Pacquiao made De La Hoya quit on his stool with bunches of power punches, Thurman aims to send Pacquiao into retirement with one punch.

And to achieve his goal, Thurman promised to show up in optimum form for their World Boxing Association welterweight title fight on July 20, Saturday (Sunday, July 21, Philippine time) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“You will see the best Thurman,” he said during the press conference held Tuesday, May 21 (Wednesday, May 22, Philippine time) at Gotham Hall in Manhattan, New York.

Thurman (29-0, 22 knockouts) stressed he will be better than when he bested former two-division world champion Danny Garcia by split decision and World Boxing Council counterpart Shawn Porter by unanimous decision; and definitely superior to the guy who trounced Josesito Lopez by majority decision in January to retain the WBA “super” welterweight crown.

Brushing off the rust of a 22-month layoff due to elbow injury, Thurman showed his power is still there when he downed Lopez with a counter left hook in the 2nd round.

“I want to be the guy to show him (Pacquiao) the exit is on the left,” said Thurman, attributing his lackluster performance against Lopez to inactivity.

Still, Thurman is taking no chances against the 40-year-old Pacquiao, the battle-scarred (61-7-2, 39 KOs) WBA “regular”champion. (READ: Pacquiao gives Thurman hints of his fight strategy)

Though only 30 years old, Thurman said he’ll be working with two strength and conditioning coaches for his first pay-per-view fight.

He wants Pacquiao to forget about the rematch clause. – Rappler.com