 LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao, boxing's only eight-division world champion

and a living legend, proved Saturday that he's still worthy of pound-for-pound
greatness at 40 years of age.
 He showcased his explosiveness and 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 (62-7-2, 39 KOs) said during the build toward the bout that he wanted
to teach Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs, one no-contest) a lesson for suggesting that he
would "crucify" the Filipino senator. Pacquiao did that, but he also had to endure
a resolute Thurman, who refused to wilt under the pressure of Pacquiao's attack.
 “I'm not that kind of boxer who talks a lot; we were just promoting the fight,"
Pacquiao said. "I think he did his best, and I did my best. I think we made the
fans happy tonight because it was a good fight."
 Thurman, though, made a mistake and pulled back with his hands down, which
led to a hard right hand by Pacquiao that sent "One Time" crashing to the canvas.
With the crowd firmly behind him, Pacquiao looked for the kill.
 As the rounds progressed, Thurman slowly fought his way back by keeping his
poise and landing hard counter hooks behind a firm jab. In the end, Pacquiao's
explosiveness proved to be the difference; Thurman would find success and then
be met with a rush of Pacquiao punches.
 “I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe," said Thurman. "I felt like he
was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. My
conditioning and my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao’s. I would love the
rematch."
 Pacquiao earned the decision with a pair of 115-112 scores in his favor, while a
third scorecard went to Thurman 114-113.
 Thurman out-landed Pacquiao in this incredibly close fight by a margin of 210 to
195, according to CompuBox. But Pacquiao had the sold-out crowd on his side
throughout as they exploded with cheers each time he connected and reveled in
the historic nature of what Pacquiao is still doing 24 years after he turned pro. He
became the oldest welterweight in boxing history to claim any of the recognized
titles.