by Nick Giongco
Keith Thurman is slightly favored to beat Manny Pacquiao on July 20 according to oddsmakers.
Listed at -135 ($135 bet wins $100) Thurman is the early pick because of his age while Pacquiao is +115 ($100 wager wins $115).
“He’s the younger fighter,” said Sean Gibbons, the right-hand man of Pacquiao on Thursday.
Thurman is 10 years younger at 30 and is athletic as well, things that could pose problems for the Filipino legend, noted Gibbons.
But in the days and even final few weeks going into the fight that will likely land at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the tide will turn in favor of Pacquiao.
“Thurman’s never fought somebody like the Senator,” said Gibbons, noting that while Thurman has handled many southpaws, he’s never fought a tricky lefty like Pacquiao.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao flies to New York City on Sunday night via Philippine Airlines so he can fulfill his promotional duties.
A photo and video shoot is scheduled on Monday morning before a formal press conference takes place at the Gotham Hall on Tuesday afternoon when Pacquiao and Thurman get to size each other up face-to-face.
After the Big Apple media affair, Pacquiao heads to Los Angeles in time for a Wednesday presser.
After the brief LA stop, Pacquiao will take a Manila-bound flight on Wednesday night so he can land in Manila on Friday morning.
When he gets back, Pacquiao is expected to commence training camp proper with lead trainer Buboy Fernandez in tow.
