Keith Thurman Wants Better Competition; Calls Out the Champions!
Former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (30-1, 22 KO’s) recently returned after a two-and-a-half-year layoff. He also is back in the win column after disfiguring the face of former WBA Regular junior welterweight champion Mario Barrios (26-2, 17 KO’s) over twelve rounds. Thurman wasted little time in calling for a fight with the champions.
The boxing community is familiar with the rise and fall story of One Time. Thurman was once the man of the division as a unified champion. Over time though, he would be sidelined with injuries and inactivity.
THE JOURNEY TRAVELED TO RETURN
After losing to living legend Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao in 2019, he was forced to watch power shift in the division with the rise of unified champion Errol Spence Jr, WBA Super champion Yordenis Ugas, and WBO champion Terence Crawford.
In 2021, the former unified champion was ready to begin his comeback trail. He took to social media acknowledging that he has fallen but vowed to rise once again. December saw social media break the news that Thurman would be making a return against Barrios in 2022. The return announcement was not greeted with overwhelming cheers as there were still questions that he needed to answer.
BACK AND READY TO FACE THE TOP DOGS
Many boxing enthusiasts wanted to know how much he had left after being out so long. To that end, Thurman brought enough to secure a landslide unanimous decision over Barrios, but not without some drama. At one point, Thurman got hurt to the body and immediately retreated to the corner. Still, in his estimation, this was enough to prove he is still worthy of being a top-five fighter in the division.
Victorious, during the post-fight interview, One Time expressed wanting to regain his position on top of the division.
“I want the belts baby, I want the champions. I want to be back on top. So whoever is willing to send Keith Thurman a contract, let’s go, baby! Let’s go!”
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By: Garrisson Bland
