Thurman Vs. Pacquiao 2: Will There Be A Rematch?

Hey boxing fans! The big question on everyone's mind is: will we see Thurman vs. Pacquiao 2? The first fight was an absolute barnburner, a clash of titans that had us all on the edge of our seats. Manny Pacquiao, the legendary eight-division world champion, defied age and Father Time to snatch the WBA (Super) welterweight title from Keith Thurman in a split decision victory back in July 2019. That fight was an instant classic, packed with drama, power punches, and a whole lot of heart. Thurman, known for his aggressive style and “One Time” knockout power, came in confident, but Pacquiao proved he still had plenty left in the tank. So, naturally, the buzz about a rematch has been swirling ever since. Let's dive into what makes a potential Thurman vs. Pacquiao 2 so appealing, the obstacles standing in its way, and what both fighters have been up to since their first encounter. A rematch between these two would not only be a massive event for boxing, but it also presents a chance for both fighters to settle the score definitively. For Pacquiao, it's a chance to further cement his legacy and prove that his victory wasn't a fluke. For Thurman, it's an opportunity to reclaim his title and show the world that he's still a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. Plus, the first fight was just so darn entertaining! Who wouldn't want to see these two warriors go at it again? The intensity, the skill, and the sheer will to win were all on full display, making it a truly unforgettable fight. We all remember that shocking first round knockdown of Thurman. Pacquiao came out guns blazing and immediately put Thurman on the back foot. Thurman, to his credit, weathered the storm and came back strong in the later rounds, but that early knockdown definitely made a statement and set the tone for the rest of the fight. And the back-and-forth action continued throughout the fight, with both fighters landing significant blows. Pacquiao's speed and experience were evident, while Thurman's power and determination kept him in the fight. It was a true chess match inside the ring, with both fighters constantly adjusting their strategies and trying to gain the upper hand.

The Allure of a Rematch

So, what is it about a Thurman vs. Pacquiao rematch that has fans salivating? Well, for starters, the first fight was incredibly close and controversial. Many fans and analysts believed that Thurman had done enough to win, despite the knockdown. A rematch would give both fighters a chance to leave no doubt in anyone's mind. The first fight's split decision outcome practically demands a second chapter. When a fight is that close, with judges seeing it differently, it leaves a sense of unfinished business. It begs the question: what would happen if they fought again? Would the outcome be the same? Would one fighter make adjustments and dominate the other? These are the questions that fuel the desire for a rematch. Beyond the controversy, the styles of Pacquiao and Thurman meshed perfectly to create an action-packed fight. Pacquiao's relentless aggression and hand speed contrasted beautifully with Thurman's calculated power and ring generalship. It was a classic clash of styles that produced fireworks. And speaking of styles, both fighters are known for their exciting and fan-friendly approaches to boxing. Pacquiao is famous for his whirlwind attacks and non-stop punching, while Thurman is known for his knockout power and willingness to engage. When you put two fighters like that in the ring together, you're almost guaranteed to see an exciting fight. The first fight certainly delivered on that promise, and a rematch would likely be just as thrilling. Plus, the stakes are incredibly high. Pacquiao, even in his 40s, is still a major force in the welterweight division. A win over Thurman would further solidify his legacy and potentially set up even bigger fights down the road. For Thurman, a win over Pacquiao would be a massive career boost. It would prove that he's still an elite fighter and put him back in the title picture. He had suffered only one loss in his career to Pacquiao. The motivation is there for both men.

Obstacles in the Path

However, making a Thurman vs. Pacquiao 2 fight happen is not as simple as just wanting it. Several factors could prevent this dream rematch from becoming a reality. One of the biggest hurdles is the promotional and managerial complexities involved. Pacquiao is a promotional free agent, meaning he can negotiate with any promoter he chooses. Thurman is aligned with Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). Getting all the parties to agree on terms, including the purse split, broadcast rights, and fight location, can be a major challenge. And let's not forget about the crowded welterweight division. There are so many talented fighters vying for opportunities, and Pacquiao and Thurman have other options available to them. Pacquiao could pursue fights against other top welterweights like Errol Spence Jr. or Terence Crawford, while Thurman could target other PBC fighters like Shawn Porter or Danny Garcia. Then there's the question of timing. Pacquiao's age and busy schedule (he's also a senator in the Philippines) make it difficult to predict when he'll be available to fight. Thurman has also had periods of inactivity due to injuries. Finding a time that works for both fighters can be tricky. And of course, we can't ignore the financial aspect. Boxing is a business, and ultimately, the decision to make a fight comes down to money. If the numbers don't make sense for both fighters and their teams, the fight simply won't happen. Securing a lucrative broadcast deal and generating enough pay-per-view interest are crucial for making a fight of this magnitude a reality. Despite these obstacles, there's still hope that Thurman vs. Pacquiao 2 can happen. Both fighters have expressed interest in a rematch, and the demand from fans is clearly there. If the stars align and the right deal can be made, we could very well see these two warriors square off again in the future.

What They've Been Up To

Since their first clash, both Keith Thurman and Manny Pacquiao have been on different paths. Pacquiao continued to fight at the highest level, defeating Keith Thurman. After that he would unfortunately lose to Yordenis Ugas. That would be the last fight for the legend as he announced his retirement to focus on his political career, and has been involved in various business ventures. Thurman, on the other hand, has had a somewhat slower pace. After losing to Pacquiao, Thurman took a hiatus from the ring before returning to defeat Mario Barrios in February 2022, showcasing that he is still a force in the welterweight division. Although his activity has been limited, Thurman has remained vocal about his desire for big fights and another title run. He's focused on staying in shape and honing his skills, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. Thurman has stated multiple times that he wants a rematch with Pacquiao, believing he has the blueprint to defeat the Filipino legend. He feels that he was not at his best in the first fight and that he can make the necessary adjustments to come out on top in a rematch. Pacquiao's retirement from boxing throws a wrench into the possibility of a rematch with Thurman. While Pacquiao has hinted at potential comebacks, his focus seems to be primarily on his political career. However, in the world of boxing, never say never. It's always possible that Pacquiao could be tempted to return to the ring for one more big fight, especially if the money is right. Thurman needs Pacquiao more than Pacquiao needs Thurman at this point in their careers. A win over Pacquiao would be a monumental achievement for Thurman, while Pacquiao has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

The Verdict

So, will we see Thurman vs. Pacquiao 2? The answer, unfortunately, is: maybe. There are a lot of moving parts and uncertainties involved. But the desire is there, the history is there, and the potential for another epic battle is definitely there. As boxing fans, we can only hope that the powers that be can make this fight happen. It would be a fitting sequel to a truly unforgettable first encounter. Whether it happens or not, one thing is for sure: the first fight between Thurman and Pacquiao will forever be etched in boxing history as a classic battle between two warriors at the top of their game. And who knows, maybe someday we'll get to see them do it all over again. Keep your fingers crossed, fight fans! The possibility of witnessing these two legends share the ring once more is something we can all dream about. The rematch may just deliver even more drama, action, and excitement than the first encounter. Only time will tell if Thurman vs. Pacquiao 2 will become a reality, but the anticipation and hope will undoubtedly linger among boxing enthusiasts worldwide. We just have to wait and see, guys!