That was the first thing he mentioned. Thurman’s honesty about the “good payday” is refreshing, if a bit blunt. It’s rare to hear a fighter put the check ahead of the belt in the very first sentence, but at this stage of his career, especially coming off such a long layoff, it’s the most realistic part of the equation.
He went on to call it a “redemption fight” and said it’s “enticing,” adding that he would likely take the bout if it was offered.
Thurman is currently focusing on 154 lbs against Sebastian Fundora. Pacquiao, even in his prime, was a small welterweight. Seeing a 47-year-old Manny jump up to junior middleweight for a redemption arc seems like a massive physical ask.
If Thurman doesn’t get past the “Towering Inferno” this weekend, the Pacquiao talk likely evaporates. A loss to Fundora would make a “redemption” fight with a retired legend a much harder sell to the public.
Both guys are fighting the clock. Thurman has been inactive for long stretches, and Manny hasn’t been in a professional ring in years.
The two met in 2019, when Pacquiao dropped Thurman early and took a decision win in what became the only loss of Thurman’s career. The result has stayed with him, but the way he talks about a rematch now is different.
It’s interesting that the 2019 loss still eats at him. That early knockdown changed the entire trajectory of his career and arguably took away his “invincible” aura. Wanting that back is natural, but doing it against a 47-year-old version of the man who took it might not give him the closure he thinks it will.
“I really don’t know what’s next after this. There are so many possibilities,” Thurman said.
Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) returns this weekend against Fundora, with a title at 154 on the line. A win would give him something current to point to if bigger fights open up again.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought since 2021 and has spent recent years outside the ring, but his name still sells a fight and still brings attention.
Thurman didn’t avoid that part of it. He said what he said right away, and that tends to be what people remember.
