Keith Thurman calls out Manny Pacquiao: ‘Let’s give the fans a real prize fight’

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Keith Thurman wants to face Manny Pacquiao this fall.

With the news that WBC titleholder Danny Garcia has allegedly turned down a substantial money offer to face a returning Manny Pacquiao this fall, another welterweight has stepped up and says he’s willing to take the fight.

That man is Keith “One Time” Thurman, who is coming off of an exciting June 25 win over Shawn Porter. Thurman tweeted out a message that in one fell swoop knocked Garcia and challenged Pacquiao:

Thurman (27-0, 22 KO) holds the WBA welterweight title, and has said that he wants to face the biggest and best names in the division. He often stated his desire to face Floyd Mayweather, but with Mayweather currently officially retired, he’s let that go. He’s called for the fight with Garcia, as well, but that’s not going to happen next, as Garcia says he’s set to return in September.

A fight with Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KO) would be by far the biggest fight of Thurman’s career, but there would be issues to work through to get it done. Thurman is advised by Al Haymon and fights under the PBC banner, while Pacquiao is promoted by Top Rank, and fights on HBO. That stuff could be worked out, but it certainly is worth pausing to consider.

Pacquiao, for his part, has said he’s not looking to return to boxing, but Top Rank have openly said they’re trying to put a fight together for October 29 or November 5 in Las Vegas. The 38-year-old Pacquiao last fought on April 9, beating Timothy Bradley Jr by decision.