Keith Thurman reveals his one major regret from Manny Pacquiao loss
KEITH THURMAN has admitted his conditioning wasn't up to scratch in his decision loss to Manny Pacquiao.
Manny Pacquiao KNOCKS Keith Thurman down in first round
Florida’s Thurman relinquished the WBA (Super) welterweight title to the future boxing hall of famer early on Sunday morning.
Pacquiao, 40, rolled back the years to register a split decision victory over ‘One Time’, who suffered the first defeat of his career.
The fighting pride of the Philippines was one step ahead of Thurman throughout the contest, bamboozling him with his footwork and peppering him from different angles.
Thurman was floored in the first round but fought valiantly for the remainder of the contest, though he struggled to deal with Pacquiao’s speed and movement.
"I knew it was just too close. He got the knockdown so he had momentum in Round 1," Thurman said. "I want to thank the fans.
“I want to thank everybody for coming out. This was a beautiful night of boxing. Manny Pacquiao is a great, truly great champion.”
Thurman, who is ten years Pacquiao's junior, wishes he had more in the tank to push the 71-fight veteran in the later rounds.
He said: "I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe. I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring.
I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe. I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring
“My conditioning, my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao. It was a great night of boxing. I'd love a rematch.”
After suffering the first loss of his career, Thurman who had a two-year hiatus prior to fighting Josesito Lopex in January, will assess his options.
“We’ll have to see what kind of offers I get,” he said. “If the fans would like to see a rematch, if Manny Pacquiao wants to see a rematch (or) if Manny Pacquiao is moving on to fight other welterweights in the welterweight division.
We have a small suspension from Nevada, but nothing that will keep me out of the ring for long.
“So at the end of the day, we just have to go back to the drawing board.
“I have an 0, I’m not afraid to let it go. If you can beat me, beat me. Manny Pacquiao beat me tonight.”
Pacquiao was full of praise for his latest victim, saying: "I'm not the kind off boxer to be a talker, just promoting the fight.
“I think we did a lot off things [to promote the fight]. He did his best, and I did my best to make the people happy."
He added: "I really loved the fans.
"Thank you so much for coming here and witnessing the fight.
“I’m sure you were happy tonight because you see a good fight. Even though Thurman lost, he did his best.
“He's not an easy opponent. He's a good boxer, strong. I think I'm just blessed tonight."