Keith “One-Time” Thurman is an undefeated welterweight whose stock rose significantly when he main-evented boxing’s return to network television on NBC’s Premier Boxing Champions card. He put forth an entertaining performance, beating veteran Robert Guerrero by unanimous decision and knocking him down in Round 9. Now, Thurman wants bigger fights, such as Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“You can’t take over the welterweight division without facing Floyd Mayweather Jr. If he [Mayweather] wants to take on a top dog who’s rated E, ready to hurt him like he’s never been hurt before, then offer me a contract, baby,” Thurman said.
Mayweather is scheduled to face Manny Pacquiao on May 2, which is the biggest fight in boxing since Mayweather’s 2013 bout vs. Canelo Alvarez. Thurman might be more dangerous than Pacquiao now though. He is bigger and has more power than the current version of Pacman, who hasn’t won via knockout since 2009. Thurman also has a much more affordable price tag.
“You don’t got to pay me $80 mil. You know what I’m saying? We can negotiate. If Floyd Mayweather wants to make me his last fight on his Showtime contract it’ll be an honor. I’d be looking forward to it, and I’d train my a** off,” Thurman said.
Thurman believes he is the toughest opponent in the welterweight division for Mayweather now. Although he has a reputation for being a knockout artist, he showed fleet feet and technique in his last two wins, unanimous decision victories over previously unbeaten Leonard Bundu and Guerrero.
“Floyd is a beautiful fighter, he’s a beautiful athlete,” Thurman said. “He’s one of the most accomplished fighters in the world of boxing today, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that he’s an old man. That doesn’t excuse the fact that he picks his fights. Me and Floyd Mayweather; I’ll be the toughest fight of his whole career.”
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