Keith "One-Time" Thurman won his second consecutive fight by unanimous decision, although unlike his dull victory over Leonard Bundu in late 2014, Thurman electrified Las Vegas in boxing's return to primetime network television.
Thurman punished Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero in a crowd-pleasing action fight, putting down the game veteran in Round 9 and hurting him throughout. Guerrero was too tough to be stopped, but the win for Thurman was one-sided, and should lead to another step up in his level of competition.
These are the Top 3 possible opponents for him going forward.
Marcos Maidana (35-5-0, 31 KO)
Thurman is known for his punching power, but over his past two fights he has displayed superior footwork in the ring, excellent timing, and the ability to counter punch as well as attack. Guerrero was a Top 10 welterweight, but he's near the bottom of that group. Guerrero also appeared to tire Thurman out in the late rounds despite being on the receiving end of the punishment.
Maidana would provide an even stiffer test of Thurman's stamina. He applies pressure much like Guerrero does, only he hits harder. Maidana's style isn't pretty, but he is so swarming that he was even able to give Floyd Mayweather Jr. a tough time in their first fight.
Maidana vs. Thurman would guarantee action, and Maidana's recklessness might allow Thurman to notch another patented KO.
Amir Khan (30-3-0, 19 KO)
Khan would provide a different kind of fireworks than Maidana, but would also be the huge name Thurman needs to blow up. Putting forth a highly entertaining fight on NBC in primetime obviously couldn't hurt, but he still remains on the cusp of stardom.
Khan would be a very difficult challenge for Thurman. He possesses a ton of skill in the ring; unlike Guerrero, Khan is fast and accurate. He is willing to exchange, but has gained enough ring intelligence to know when trading with bigger punchers is unwise. Thurman clearly wants fans to recognize his skill in the ring as much as his power, and a victory over Khan would be his ticket to cementing a reputation as an elite boxer-puncher. The problem is whether Khan views Thurman as an acceptable risk to a future payday vs. Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao.
Kell Brook (33-0-0, 22 KO)
Brook has a major fan base in the U.K., and his undefeated record vs. Thurman's could make for a big-time event, especially if it was held in England. Thurman has the ability to fight offensively, or lie in wait and counter punch. Should he go the aggressive route vs. Brook, it would be a very compelling bout stylistically.
Brook was masterful in blunting the reckless aggression of then-unbeaten IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter, but Thurman's type attacking is more controlled and potent. Both fighters have rising stars and even though one has to lose, neither will be dinged too badly in this situation.
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