Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman official: Legendary Filipino set for super fight this summer

The 40-year-old will hope to upset the American, who returned from an injury lay-off in January

“This summer just got a little hotter,” Manny Pacquiao proclaimed last night, confirming his super fight with Keith Thurman for the welterweight world title is officially on.

The legendary Filipino will battle the charismatic American on July 20 in Las Vegas at a venue to be named, with the fight made official during the broadcast of Jarrett Hurd vs Julian Williams.

Thurman added: “It’s finally official! Time to put on a show for the world.”

Thurman endured a 22-month lay-off in January following his split decision victory over Danny Garcia in March 2017.

After recovering from elbow surgery and then a deep bruise on his left hand, Thurman failed to impress despite winning against Josesito Lopez.

The veteran Pacquiao has rebuilt since a stunning upset to Jeff Horn in July 2017, with back-to-back wins over Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner earlier this year.

Pacquiao was talked about as an opponent for Errol Spence Jr after his one-sided victory over Mikey Garcia, who was also previously linked to fighting the 40-year-old.

But the fight failed to materialise, with the IBF champion Spence Jr now set to unify against WBC champion Shawn Porter. Thurman, meanwhile, has jumped at the chance to make history against a future hall-of-famer, explaining that the time is right.

Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman will meet on July 20

“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,” Thurman remarked after edging Lopez.

“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.”