40-year-old Manny Pacquiao, boxing's only eight-division world champion, used a first-round knockdown to secure a split-decision win over Keith Thurman and become the WBA Super Welterweight champion in front of sellout crowd of 14,356 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Pacquiao earned the decision with a pair of 115-112 scores in his favor, while a third scorecard went to Thurman 114-113. Pacquiao is now at 62-7-2, 39 KOs, while Thurman is 29-1, 22 KOs, one no-contest.
Pacquiao's next move is up in the air. He could wait and fight against the winner of the Sept. 28 match between WBC champion Shawn Porter and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr., or he could possibly challenge Floyd Mayweather Jr. out of retirement for one more match. Said Pacquia: "I think (I will fight) next year. I will go back to the Philippines and work and then make a decision."
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