Manny Pacquiao v Keith Thurman as it happened - Pacquiao wins via split decision

WBA welterweight world title fight between Filipino great and the unbeaten American in Las Vegas

Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena, AFP

Manny Pacquiao hugs Keith Thurman after winning their welterweight title fight by split decision. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Keith Thurman by split decision. AP Photo

Freddie Roach gives his instructions to Manny Pacquiao between rounds. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the 10th round. AP Photo

Keith Thurman, left, and Manny Pacquiao exchange punches in the eighth round. AP Photo

Keith Thurman, right, throws a punch against Manny Pacquiao. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao lands a shot against Keith Thurman during their WBA welterweight bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao (R) connects with a punch on Keith Thurman during their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena. AFP

Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the fifth round. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao reacts after knocking down Keith Thurman in the first round. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao, left, after kniocking down Keith Thurman in the first round. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman put their respective WBA world titles on the line on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, an eight-division champion, makes the second defence of his WBA world strap, while the unbeaten Thurman takes his WBA Super Welterweight crown into the ring.

Stick with us throughout the fight for round-by-round updates.

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No Amir Khan fight next for Pacquiao

Amir Khan claimed last week that a fight has been "signed off and done" between him and Pacquiao for November 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Pacquiao's team immediately denied any contract had been signed, while the champion himself said post-fight that he does not plan to return to the ring until next year as he focuses on his role as a Philippines Senator.

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9.10am - Post-fight reaction

Manny Pacquiao does not think he will fight again this year, but will be ringside at Staples Center in September for Errol Spence Jr v Shawn Porter.

Pacquiao on the trash talking of Thurman in the build-up: ""I'm not the kind off boxer to be a talker, just promoting the fight. I think we did a lot off things [to promote the fight]. He did his best, and I did my best to make the people happy."

Keith Thurman very gracious in defeat, admits he got beat by the better man on the night, thanks the fans and Manny Pacquiao for a great night.

"I want to thank the fans," he said. "I want to thank everybody for coming out. This was a beautiful night of boxing. Manny Pacquiao is a great, truly great champion."

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Manny Pacquaio wins via split decision!

Manny Pacquiao retains his WBA welterweight world title with a 115-112, 115-112, 114-113 split decision. Not quite sure how one judge had Thurman by a round, particularly considering the first round knockdown, but Pacquiao gets the W he deserves.

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9am - Round 12

"Let it all go" was the order from Thurman's corner before the final round, but it was Pacquiao who looked closer to the knockout. Final round goes to the Filipino champion and surely a lop-sided points win will soon be announced.

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8.55am - Round 11

Impressive powers of recovery from Thurman, who lands a few flush on Pacquiao's chin. Pacquiao shrugs them off and keeps dancing around his opponent. Close round. One round to go. Thurman, surely needs a stoppage to win this.

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8.51am - Round 10

Pacquiao's round, hands down. Thurman appeared to be hurt, it seems, from a body shot. Pacquiao had him on the run. Thurman looks hurt. Time for the championship rounds...

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8.47am - Round 9

Is the 10-year age gap starting to show? Thurman the sharper fighter in the ninth round after pressing forward and pressuring Pacquiao. The Filipino ends strong, though.

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8.42am - Round 8

Close round and Thurman is forcing his way back into this fight. Good work from both fighters. Pacquiao continues  to land and move, but Thurman lands a succession of straight rights to perhaps steal the round.

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8.38am - Round 7

Thurman's best round so far. He started strong by pinning Pacquiao on the ropes and finds success throughout the round by landing combos and moving out of range.

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8.34am - Round 6

Pacquiao racks up another round. His speed and footwork just too good for Thurman. The American just can't figure him out.

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8.30am - Round 5

Another strong start to the round by Thurman, who makes inroads on the Pacquiao defence. But once again, Pacquiao lands his combos later in the round and in the last few seconds ramps up the pressure. Thurman has a bloody nose and is breathing out of his mouth. Pacquiao's round.

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8.26am - Round 4

Thurman starts the round the better fighter but Pacquiao comes on stronger in the second half. Thurman struggling to defend against Pacquiao's angles and speed. Close round.

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8.22am - Round 3

Pacquiao continues to control the centre of the ring and lands his combos, he continues to invite Thurman in, looking to counter the American's power punches. Another good round for Pacquiao.

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8.18am - Round 2

Close round as Pacquiao lands punches in bunches and Thurman looks to back him up on the ropes and land the power shots. Pacquiao ends the round with a quick 'Ali shuffle'. The Filipino is clearly enjoying himself!

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8.15am - Round 1

Great start for Pacquiao! He knocks Thurman down with 20 seconds to go! More a flash knockdown, but certainly a wake-up call. Before that it was a close round, but it now goes 10-8 to Pacquiao.

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8am - time for the ring walks

Keith Thurman is the first to make his way to the squared circle to a subdued reception from the crowd. Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, receives roars from the crowd. Despite being the foreign fighter, it's clear where the crowd's loyalties lie.

Chants of "Manny! Manny! Manny!" ring out around the venue.