Keith Thurman is determined to bounce back following setback against Manny Pacquiao.

Keith Thurman showed heart in the ring against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. And that heart remained with him following the outcome. “One Time” may no longer hold the WBA (Super) welterweight title, but maintained the attitude of a champion.

Rather, the loss against Pacquiao served a bigger purpose for Thurman.

“It was a blessing to be here at the MGM Grand,” said Thurman. “To be forming my first ever pay-per-view fight. To have such a tremendous fight. Even without the outcome coming my way. I promised you guys that this would be one of the most exciting fights of the summer.”

Thurman (29-1, 22KOs) had trouble with Pacquiao’s punch output early on, with a knockdown in the first round raising the alarm. After taking punches unlike any other of his career, Thurman minimized the damage and boxed well during the second-half of the fight.

His own offense began to find it’s mark against “The Pacman.” It was this determination which turned around the momentum, and made a seemingly one-sided fight much closer. In the end, Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39KOs) earned the split decision win; along with the WBA title.

Judges Dave Moretti and Tim Cheatham each scored the fight 115-112 in favor of Pacquiao, while judge Glenn Feldman had it 114-113 for Thurman.

It was an unrecognized outcome for the former unified welterweight champion, who suffered his first career loss. Though Thurman has seen the top, and knows what it takes to get back there.

“I will be back at the top of the sport of boxing,” said Thurman. “And, you know, I mean you gotta go with the flow. You gotta take the punches as they come. And you get knocked down, you lift yourself back up. That’s what champions do.”