Keith Thurman: “Be real! Send the contract!”
Former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-1, 22KOs) took part in an Instagram interview on PBC Time Out with Ray Flores recently where he told WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (36-0, 27KOs) to send the contract for a fight.
This is a big attitude change from the former champion who hails from Florida. In the past, he has been dismissive of Crawford requesting he prove himself at 147. That was at the time where he was still a champion. Now he’s been relegated back into the hunter position as he continues to seek a rematch with Manny Pacquiao, who dethroned him for the WBA title back in July of 2019.
Having not been in action since that upset loss, Thurman has underwent another surgery, although admittedly nothing too detrimental.
While his number one preference is a Pacquiao rematch, he said that if Crawford sent him an offer that checked off everyone of his wants, he wouldn’t hesitate to sign the contract.
“Crawford knows he can get it. I’m a very simple man when it comes to the fight world and doing business. You know what I mean? Be real, send the contract, watch me sign it.”
Regardless of how many may feel about Thurman, the guy remains a legitimate threat to anyone at 147. His combination of speed, power, athleticism and boxing skills would cause issues for all the champions and top contenders in the division.
Crawford has yet to have that mega-fight many have been calling for since his arrival into the welterweight division. Many still clamor for a huge showdown with unified champion Errol Spence (26-0, 21KOs) that’s currently not feasible at the moment. However, a fight with a former unified champion with above average skills would suffice and satisfy fight fans all over.
Currently, Thurman is not ranked in the top 15 by the WBO. However given the prestige of his name, strings to make this a sanctioned bout for Crawford’s fourth title defense can be pulled.
As the saying “it takes two to fight” goes, it also takes two guys willing to make it happen. With Thurman now declaring he’s ready to face Crawford, the only thing remaining to do is begin negotiations and hammer out a deal. Will it happen? Only time will tell.
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
