Pacquiao-Thurman Prediction

Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman are both brimming with confidence, as we are only a week away from their welterweight world title showdown.

The fight is set for July 20 on FOX pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, who spent the first half of training camp in his native Philippines, where he is a senator, arrived in the United States about a month ago to train at trainer Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.

Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KO's), boxing's only eight-division world titleholder, who will be fighting for just the second time since turning 40 years of age last December, cruised past former champion Adrien Broner in a unanimous decision in January.

"We started in the Philippines before coming here, and everything has been smooth," Pacquiao said Wednesday. "We picked this fight against Thurman because we believed we could give great action to the fans and I know I'll be ready to deliver on my end."

Thurman (29-0, 22 KO's) is fighting for just the second time following a 22-month layoff. Although he defeated Josesito Lopez by majority decision in January, Thurman was nearly knocked out in the seventh round.

"I've had one heck of a journey. In reflection, I'm proud of all of my success," said Thurman, who is making his sixth title defense. "I hope to accomplish more in my career, and it all starts with this fight.

"This is history in the making. This is one of the best fights all year. This is the biggest fight of my career. You see a lot of fight posters in this gym. I remember when [Thurman mentor] Winky Wright fought 'Sugar' Shane Mosley. I remember when he fought 'Tito' Trinidad. For me, this is my Mosley. This is my 'Tito' Trinidad moment. I get to show the world that Keith 'One Time' Thurman is not just a great champion, [but] he can beat legends."

We will get right to the prediction. Manny Pacquiao wins a controversial split decision.