Keith Thurman Looking to Silence Skeptics by Beating Tszyu
On March 30, Keith “One Time” Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) moves up in weight to battle reigning WBO junior middleweight champion Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) at a catchweight of 155 pounds. Thurman views this contest as a golden opportunity to get back in the spotlight and show his greatness to the boxing public.
NEVER COUNT ME OUT
Some in the boxing community feel the younger and naturally larger Tszyu views Thurman as an easy fight and will have his way with him. But One Time is a fighter with the utmost confidence in himself and his ability. During an introductory press event to announce the fight, the former unified welterweight champion told the boxing media in attendance that he fully intends to prove the doubters wrong.
“You put me back in the ring, and I’m going to rise to the top. That’s what this is all about. People have comments, people have suggestions. People come up with their statistics. But at the end of the day, they’re not Keith Thurman. They’re not seeing my grind. . . . They don’t understand my mindset. That’s what March 30 is all about. Proving to the world that Keith Thurman was, is, and will be forever and ever one of the greatest fighters in the sport of boxing.”
EXCITED TO BE BACK ON THE BIG STAGE
It’s a daunting task for Thurman. He’s 35 years old and hasn’t been in the ring since a decision win over Mario Barrios in February 2022. Additionally, he’s a 147-pounder moving up in weight for the first time in his career.
But at his best, Thurman is an athletic fighter with fast hands, boxing skills, and power in both hands. He views Tszyu as a one-dimensional, slow-footed fighter not ready for the bright lights of a big-time boxing event. For the former welterweight champion, size will not matter. It’s all about skill, will, and experience. He told Tzsyu that he plans to give him the lesson of a lifetime.
“You’re going to get these hands, baby, all up in your face! . . . I’ll be right there. I won’t be hard to find.”
