Boxing News 2015: Keith Thurman Expects ‘Jackrabbit’ Manny Pacqquiao But Sticks With Prediction Of Floyd Mayweather Jr. Win

Rising boxing prospect Keith Thurman has recently predicted that he sees his compatriot Floyd Mawyweather Jr. winning over Manny Pacquiao in the pair’s super fight on May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States. In a more recent interview, Thurman shared what he expects from Pacquiao when he faces Mayweather on top of the squared ring.

“I expect to see the “jackrabbitt”, that’s what I call Manny Pacquiao, I call him the “jackrabbit” and then hopefully 4,5,6 punch combinations come out of [him],” Thurman said to thaboxingvoice.com on Friday. “What I’d really like to see from Manny Pacquiao is come awkward overhand right hooks and left uppercuts because sometimes when you get Floyd on the ropes he likes to duck down to his right, if he ducks down to his right, Manny can come with an uppercut.”

While Thurman has his expectations of how Pacquiao can handle Mayweather, he remained steadfast in saying that the Mayweather will win over the Filipino pugilist. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao are currently in their respective training camps in preparation for the highly-anticipated bout in May.

“How does Floyd wanna win? If Floyd wants to win hands-down, he’s gonna win hands down. If Floyd wants to make it controversial, he’ll make it controversial,” Thurman added showing confidence in Mayweather Jr.’s skills. “If Floyd wants to not get touched, he won’t get touched. He’s not gonna be on the ropes; he’s not gonna give Manny Pacquiao a shot. Manny’s gonna have to work for everything come May 2nd.”

Thurman is currently ranked fifth in The Ring Magazine’s welterweight rankings and is coming off a win against Robert Guerrero via a 12-round unanimous decision victory last March 7. Thurman is undefeated in 25 career fights and is known as a knockout artist with 21 of his wins not going to the distance.

Mayweather Jr. (47-0-0, 26 KOs) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) are ranked first and second, respectively not only in the welterweight division where Thurman campaigns but also in the top pound-for-pound rankings in boxing.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au