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Pacquiao to challenge Thurman for WBA title in July

Manny Pacquiao will challenge Keith Thurman for his WBA (Super) welterweight title on July 20.

No venue has yet been announced for the bout, which is Pacquiao’s first since a one-sided victory over Adrien Broner in January.

Thurman, who is undefeated in 29 fights, beat Josesito Lopez in his most recent fight, also in January. That followed a 22-month injury layoff following elbow surgery.

After his win over Lopez, Thurman discussed a fight against Pacquiao, saying: “Manny Pacquiao is not going to be here for the years to come. Just fighting a legend, I just feel like the clock is ticking.

“Later this year if that fight presents itself, I would definitely be open for negotiations and I would love an opportunity to fight a legend.

“He’s not the young Manny Pacquiao that he once was but he still is a great, world-class fighter. If we get that fight, we’d be happy to do it for ourselves and the fans.”

Pacquiao is 61-7-2 during his 24-year boxing career, and currently holds the WBA (Regular) belt. Thurman, from Florida, has wins over Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter to his name. –Goal.com

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