Thurman breaksdown fights w/ nine potential opponents

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Keith ThurmanIn an interview with Boxing News Online’s Matt Christie, WBA World welterweight champion Keith Thurman (26-0, 22 KO’s) provided pithy comments regarding nine potential opponents that he could face in the future.

Kell Brook: IBF World Welterweight titleholder

“Solid. He’s a solid fighter. I respect him. I would be well prepared for that fight.”

This would be a phenomenal fight. Both fighters are known for their speed and movement while Thurman is more recognized for his power, although Brook has underrated power of his own.

Shawn Porter: Former IBF World welterweight titleholder

“The first thing I think is friend. He’s a great opponent, most definitely. He comes to fight hard every time. I respect him, and I look forward to having that fight.”

Ken Porter, Shawn Porter’s father, and trainer, told 5 Star Boxing that he’s called Thurman about making the fight happen, but he has received no response. Does Thurman want the fight?

Prior to Danny Garcia’s majority decision victory over Lamont Peterson in April at the Barclays Center, Shawn Porter was interviewed by Tha Boxing Voice’s Nestor Gibbs and both seemed ecstatic about fighting each other.

“This fight is going to happen,” Porter said. “Everybody knows it. It’s just a matter of time.”

Errol Spence: Undefeated rising star

“I don’t really think of anything when I hear that boy’s name. He’s the new kid on the block. I’m looking forward to seeing how he blooms, but he has some things to show before we step in the ring, so I’m not really stressing with that kid right now.”

Thurman doesn’t want to fight Spence, period. Spence is a bad investment, not from an Al Haymon/PBC perspective, but from a Thurman perspective.

Not many believe Floyd Mayweather is going to retire after fighting Andre Berto in Sept. – Thurman included – and if he takes the Spence fight and loses, that opportunity will never come.

I don’t discredit Thurman for doing just that. Who doesn’t want that money?

Amir Khan: Former light-welterweight titlist and current WBC Silver welterweight titlist

“Run away. If I step in the ring with him, all he’s going to be doing is running away.

Thurman pushed for the Khan fight earlier this year, but the Bolton fighter opted to face another former 140 lb. champion in Chris Algieri instead.

“You don’t have to keep running your mouth to not get a fight. All you have to do is call up Al Haymon and demand for the fight,” Thurman told Nestor Gibbs.

Adrien Broner: Former three-division world champion

“He’s ‘The Problem.’ He’s an outspoken Cincinnati boy.”

Thurman would win this one easily.

Timothy Bradley: WBO World welterweight champion.

“Easy work.”

Bradley has one sturdy chin and he proved that he’s a pretty solid boxer against Pacquiao and Marquez, but he’s also vulnerable to getting dazed. He’s proven that against Pacquiao, Provodnikov, and most recently Jessie Vargas.

Bradley also loves to dig those shots to the body. We saw what that left hook to the body from Luis Collazo did to Thurman. It took about 95 percent of the wind from him. This is by no means an easy fight for ‘One Time.’

Danny Garcia: Former unified champion at 140 lbs

“Danny’s new [to 147], so I haven’t put much into him. I’ll say strong. He looked strong in his last performance.

Garcia stopped Paulie Malignaggi, but he still struggled to land shots consistently. Malignaggi – although much faded – was making Garcia miss a lot early. He’s going to need another fight or two before he challenges for a world title.

Marcos Maidana: Former two-division world champion

“The last update I got is ‘heavyweight.’”

Initially, it was rumored Maidana wanted to return in April or May this year. That didn’t pan out because of his much ballooned weight. There was another rumor about September, but that’s also been ruled out.

Now, it appears we might be looking at a November return, but who knows? The last thing Maidana wants to do is pull a Ricky Hatton.

Manny Pacquiao: Former eight-division world champion

“He’s had a great career. He’s done a lot. He’s made not only his dreams come true but a lot of other people’s dreams come true, things they didn’t even know could come true. But it’s a great fight and I would love the opportunity to face him before he gets out of the ring.”

This would be a tall task for Pacquiao after taking a loss. At the age of 36 and having been in more wars than most other boxers in this ERA, this is a fight that I don’t think Bob Arum would offer to his fighter. Personally, I think he should retire.