WBC Promotions is proud to spotlight a major milestone in professional boxing as boxing legend and International Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao officially expands his promotional company into the United States. Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) will make its highly anticipated U.S. debut on Saturday, November 29, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. As part of this exciting expansion, respected entrepreneur, attorney, and boxing executive Tony Cohen, J.D. has joined Manny Pacquiao Promotions as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President. Cohen will work alongside President Sean Gibbons and Lead Matchmaker Brendan Gibbons, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it prepares for a new era in international boxing. Cohen brings more than 30 years of experience in the sport. An undefeated fighter and successful boxing promoter during the 1990s, he previously promoted three-time world champion Tony “The Tiger” Lopez and gained valuable industry experience working alongside Top Rank before earning his Juris Doctor degree. Reflecting on his return to boxing, Cohen shared his commitment to supporting today’s fighters and helping elevate the sport through strong leadership, transparency, and business expertise. “I’m returning to support these world-class fighters, many of whom deserve better. With my business and legal background, I’m now in a position to truly make a difference. The sport needs real leadership, not just promoters.” Beyond boxing, Cohen has built an impressive international business portfolio. He has been recognized as Los Angeles’ Top Business Entrepreneur for three consecutive years by the Global Entrepreneur Awards and currently serves as CEO of several successful companies spanning entertainment, media, finance, real estate, and international development. The inaugural U.S. event for Manny Pacquiao Promotions promises an exciting night of world-class boxing. The main event features a WBO Featherweight Title Eliminator between knockout specialists Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) of Oklahoma City and Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) of Venezuela. Fans will also witness the highly anticipated professional debut of Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., who begins his professional journey under the Manny Pacquiao Promotions banner. Additional fight announcements, broadcast information, and the complete event lineup—including an all-star commentary team—will be revealed in the coming weeks. Tickets for Manny Pacquiao Promotions’ historic U.S. debut are available now through official ticketing outlets, with VIP and Platinum Experience packages also on sale for fans seeking a premium fight night experience. With an experienced executive team, elite fighters, and one of boxing’s greatest champions leading the promotion, Manny Pacquiao Promotions is set to make a powerful statement as it launches its U.S. operations this November.
Two of boxing’s greatest icons, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, are set to meet again in a blockbuster rematch that promises to redefine live sports entertainment. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II will take place on Saturday, September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will stream live globally on Netflix. The event will mark the first-ever professional boxing match held at the Sphere, the cutting-edge venue known for its immersive visuals and state-of-the-art technology. Organizers expect the arena’s massive wraparound display and advanced production capabilities to transform the fight into a spectacle unlike anything previously seen in boxing. Their original 2015 bout, dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” shattered pay-per-view records and generated historic revenue, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision to preserve his undefeated record. This rematch offers Pacquiao a long-awaited opportunity for redemption while giving fans another chance to witness a rivalry that defined an era.
Manila, Philippines: Boxing legend Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao continues to stand as one of the most celebrated figures in the history of the sport, with a career that reshaped global boxing and inspired millions worldwide. Pacquiao is widely recognized as the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, a record that remains unmatched. Rising from poverty in the Philippines, he built his legacy through speed, power, and relentless determination, competing at the highest level for more than two decades. Over his professional career, Pacquiao captured 12 major world championships and became a crossover sports icon, headlining some of the biggest fights in boxing history. One of his most historic achievements came when he became the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40, proving his longevity in an era dominated by younger fighters. After stepping away from full-time boxing, Pacquiao shifted focus to public service, serving as a Senator of the Philippines and later running for the presidency. Despite mixed results in politics, his influence outside the ring further cemented his status as a national hero. In 2025, Pacquiao made a highly anticipated return to professional boxing, competing in a world title bout that ended in a draw. His performance surprised fans and analysts, showing flashes of the speed and toughness that defined his prime years. Pacquiao’s contributions to the sport were officially recognized with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among boxing’s all-time greats. Even beyond active competition, Manny Pacquiao’s legacy continues to shape the sport and inspire future generations.
By Lyle Fitzsimmons Keith Thurman has never been a conventional champion. Beyond his unbeaten record and résumé of elite victories, the former unified welterweight titleholder is known for his thoughtful, introspective approach to the sport. Still, even the most reflective fighters can bristle when doubt creeps into the conversation. As Thurman prepares for his long-awaited pay-per-view debut against eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao, questions continue to swirl about where he stands in his career. A lengthy injury layoff and an uneven return bout against Josesito Lopez earlier this year have led some to wonder whether the 30-year-old has already peaked. Thurman, unsurprisingly, has little patience for the narrative. “At the end of the day, Keith Thurman has the best résumé among all the young welterweights,” Thurman said. “Even with two years of inactivity, I’ve done more than anyone else in this division.” A Champion’s Résumé Thurman rose through the ranks by collecting interim belts before becoming WBA welterweight champion following Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement in 2015. Along the way, he defeated elite competition including Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia, unifying titles and cementing his place among the division’s best. Though injuries sidelined him for nearly two years, Thurman returned in January with a decision win over Lopez, pushing his record to 29-0. While the performance drew mixed reviews, Thurman views it as a necessary step rather than a statement. “That wasn’t the best Keith Thurman you’re going to see,” he said. “It was a comeback fight. This time, with real preparation and real motivation, you’re going to see a different performance.” Rankings and Recognition Despite his accomplishments, Thurman’s standing varies across ranking systems. He sits third at welterweight according to The Ring, behind Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, while other outlets place him slightly lower. Thurman insists the numbers don’t matter. “Look where I am. I’m at the top,” he said. “They can talk about Spence, they can talk about Crawford, but I’ve already been champion. I make exciting fights—that’s why Pacquiao chose me.” A Clash of Eras The Pacquiao fight represents a collision between generations. At 40 years old, Pacquiao is seeking to prove that age has not dulled his ability, while Thurman aims to establish himself as the face of the modern welterweight division. “Manny Pacquiao is trying to show he can still dominate at 40,” Thurman explained. “I’m coming off a layoff trying to show I’m still one of the biggest threats in boxing today. That’s what makes this fight special.” While Thurman acknowledges Pacquiao’s recent wins over Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner, he maintains perspective. “He won those fights, and he looked good,” Thurman said. “But now he’s fighting the current champion. This is my world title. This is a different level.” Confidence Without Complacency Though supremely confident, Thurman admits he never takes victory for granted. “There’s always a chance to lose,” he said. “That’s boxing. But I know I’ve trained properly, and I believe Manny’s style has never been a good matchup for mine.” Thurman believes the Pacquiao bout is not only winnable, but an opportunity to make a definitive statement. “We’re fighting for history, legacy and status,” he said. “I’m looking to prove that Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman belongs at the top.” What Comes Next Should Thurman emerge victorious on July 20, he envisions even bigger nights ahead, including potential clashes with Errol Spence Jr. or Terence Crawford. “This fight is the wake-up call,” Thurman said. “I get to showcase my skills, beat a living legend, and then move forward dominating the welterweight division.” As the boxing world debates age, inactivity and momentum, Thurman remains focused on the moment. On fight night, he plans to let his fists—not the critics—do the talking.
As fight night approaches, the boxing world remains sharply divided over the outcome of the blockbuster welterweight showdown between eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman. A wide-ranging poll of 46 boxing experts—including former world champions, current titleholders, elite trainers, and respected analysts—reveals just how close this matchup is expected to be. While opinions are nearly split down the middle, Pacquiao holds a slight edge in the overall tally heading into their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Expert Tally Favors Pacquiao—Narrowly Out of the 46 experts polled: 24 picked Manny Pacquiao to win 19 selected Keith Thurman 3 predicted a draw Several respondents believe the fight is so evenly matched that it could be decided by a split decision, while a handful on both sides even see a possible late stoppage—an unusual prediction for a bout featuring two elite-level technicians. Why Experts Lean Toward Pacquiao Those siding with Pacquiao point to his experience, speed, southpaw angles, and championship pedigree. Many believe his high-volume combinations, footwork, and ability to rise to the occasion in big fights will allow him to outwork Thurman over twelve rounds. A number of former champions emphasized Pacquiao’s ring IQ and explosiveness, suggesting that Thurman has never faced a fighter with Pacquiao’s blend of pace, unpredictability, and pressure. Others noted Pacquiao’s activity level compared to Thurman’s recent periods of inactivity as a key factor. The Case for Thurman Supporters of Thurman largely focus on youth, size, and physicality. At 30 years old, Thurman is viewed by many as the fresher fighter, with enough power and athleticism to trouble Pacquiao if he can control distance and maintain discipline. Several trainers and fighters pointed to Thurman’s durability and ability to absorb punishment, arguing that if he can avoid early damage and establish his jab, he has the tools to edge a close decision or even score a late-round stoppage. A True 50–50 Fight Perhaps the most common theme among the expert panel is uncertainty. Many described the contest as a true 50–50 fight, dependent on which version of each fighter shows up on the night. Questions remain about Pacquiao’s age and Thurman’s consistency following layoffs, adding further intrigue. Multiple experts predicted a dramatic back-and-forth battle, with momentum swings, tactical adjustments, and championship-level intensity from opening bell to final round. What to Expect on Fight Night With legends, champions, and trainers split in their predictions, Pacquiao vs Thurman has all the ingredients of a classic. Whether it’s Pacquiao’s experience and volume or Thurman’s youth and power that prevails, the overwhelming consensus is that fans are in for a high-level, action-packed welterweight showdown. When the bell rings in Las Vegas, the experts’ predictions will finally be put to the test.
