Manny Pacquiao takes championship from Keith Thurman on split decision

Manny Pacquiao has been crowned the new WBA Super Welterweight champion after securing a split decision victory over Keith Thurman in Las Vegas.

pic.twitter.com/jdwkdRipdT

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) July 21, 2019

4O-year-old Pacquiao, rolled back the years with a masterful performance to become a world champion for the 13th‑time in a glistening career.

This was 30 year old Thurman’s first defeat of his professional career having previously won all 29 bouts before stepping into the ring with 40‑year‑old ‘Pac‑Man’.

Pacquiao secured a dramatic first round knockdown to take control of the fight, landing a stabbing body shot before following up with a swift right hook that sent his opponent to the mat for just the second time in his career.

Manny Pacquiao wins the WBA World Welterweight Title at 40 years old and hands Keith Thurman his first pro loss!#PacquiaoThurman pic.twitter.com/KFrZAifoLZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 21, 2019

The fight would eventually go to the judges' scorecards, which read 115‑112, 115‑112 and 113‑114 in Pacquiao's favour.

Source: Evening Standard