Manny Pacquiao rigged the Ring? Keith Thurman accuses legend of fighting ‘without rules’ in 2019 bout

Keith Thurman accuses Manny Pacquiao of “Being His Own Referee,” pushes for rematch
After four years away from the ring, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made his much-anticipated return on July 20, squaring off against Mario Barrios in a bout that ended in a majority decision draw.

Now 46, Pacquiao has hinted that this may have been his final fight — but not everyone is convinced the curtain has closed.

Among those eager for another shot is former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman, who recently reignited tensions from their 2019 clash. Speaking in an interview with YSM Sports Media, Thurman leveled serious accusations against Pacquiao, claiming the Filipino icon acted as “his own referee” during their previous bout.

“I don’t know how much you know about Manny Pacquiao’s history,” said Thurman. “He calls his own breaks, he calls his own low blows, he’ll deduct a point when he wants to — so you have to be careful with Manny Pacquiao being his own judge in there.”

Thurman is actively campaigning for a rematch, aiming to avenge the only loss of his professional career, a split-decision defeat to Pacquiao in July 2019. That victory made Pacquiao, then 40 years old, the oldest fighter to capture a welterweight title, adding another historic feat to his legendary résumé.

OLD BUT DEFINITELY GOLD

The fighting pride of the Philippines, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, gave it his all in his comeback bout — slowing down Father Time and earning a majority draw against the younger Mario Barrios in their WBC Welterweight title clash.#PacquiaoBarrios pic.twitter.com/CKjtFPJ2YW

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 20, 2025

After snapping his own three-year layoff earlier this year, Thurman returned in emphatic fashion, scoring a third-round knockout over Brook Jarvis, following a decision win against Mario Barrios. Riding a wave of momentum, Thurman believes now is the perfect time to settle unfinished business.

“There’s a part of me that would love the opportunity to come back and fight Manny Pacquiao again,” Thurman added. “But I’m just going to see what comes next, man — because I will be fighting this year. Guaranteed.”

Despite his pointed criticism, Thurman’s interest in a rematch reflects the enduring draw of Pacquiao — even in the twilight of his career.

Meanwhile, Thurman isn’t the only one lining up for a shot at the “Pac-Man.” According to Pacquiao’s longtime advisor Sean Gibbons, other possible opponents include Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Gervonta “Tank” Davis, both of whom are being considered as “ideal alternatives” should Pacquiao choose to step into the ring once more.

Whether it’s Thurman, Davis, Romero, or retirement, one thing remains clear: Pacquiao’s presence in boxing continues to stir headlines — and opponents’ ambitions — even at 46.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.