By Nick Giongco
Keith Thurman likens the defeat to Manny Pacquiao to a love affair that he hasn’t gotten over with.
Almost a year after absorbing his first loss, Thurman continues to hum the melody of that sad chapter in his career.
“I want the opportunity to get my title back,” Thurman told boxingscene. “It was my title that (Pacquiao) took and I would love that opportunity. It’s not mandated or forced upon him, so it’s just really up to him and what he’s choosing to do. Until he finishes his career out, I will demand a rematch.”
In July last year, Pacquiao, 10 years older than Thurman, punched his way to a points win to retain the World Boxing Association welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Thurman suffered a first-round knockdown but gradually fought his way back into the slambang showdown that had the crowd on its feet.
“A part of me wants my get back. I would really love to share the ring with him once again. It was just such an amazing experience. It was one of my favorite fights of all time. I’d love to relive it and possibly get that opportunity to get the belt back,” he said.
Pacquiao, however, could not tell exactly what’s down the road for him, although he has made it clear that he is raring to get back into the ring.
With the coronavirus still raging, Pacquiao is unsure if he can make an appearance before 2020 is over.
Several names have been floating around as possible foes but with the vaccine for COVID-19 still unavailable, Pacquiao has been left with no choice but to play the waiting game.
While everyone is busy finding a cure for the virus, Pacquiao makes it a point to stay in shape.
While quarantined in his Dasmariñas Village residence, Pacquiao works out daily as though he is revving up for a title defense.