Kumpiyansa ang chief trainer ni American boxer Keith Thurman na magwawagi ang kanyang alaga kontra kay Sen. Manny Pacquiao sa nakatakda nilang pagtutuos sa susunod na buwan.
Ayon kay coach Dan Birmingham, magiging alas daw ni Thurman sa laban kay Pacquiao ang pagiging mas bata nito at ang kanyang punching power.
Naniniwala rin si Birmingham na ibang-iba umano ang matutunghayan na Thurman sa mismong araw ng laban, hindi gaya ng naging pagtutuos nila ni Josesito Lopez noong Enero kung saan nagmukhang mahina ang undefeated boxer.
“Manny knows Keith’s a puncher, and that he brings youth and experience like Manny does. But Keith wants to fight, he’s anxious to fight and he’s got someone to fight for besides himself,” wika ni Birmingham.
“It’s been the rest factor. He’s rejuvenated his body and mind, he got married and as I said before, he has someone to fight for,” dagdag nito.
Ipinagmalaki rin ng trainer ang quality sparring ni Thurman kontra sa mas malalakas na mga boksingero at handa na raw itong harapin si Pacquiao.
“He has a renewed vigor — more energy — and he’s anxious to fight and anxious to train,” ani Birmingham. “His power, ferociousness and tenacity will be a problem for Manny. We’ve only escalated that in this camp.â€
Sa panig naman ni Thurman, sasamantalahin daw nito ang pagkakataon upang ipamalas ang kanyang talento at abilidad kontra sa isang sports legend.
“I am back on the big stage, I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my talent and skill with a legend in the sport. It’s a big ‘get back’ year for me,” sambit ni Thurman.
