Keith Thurman open to fighting Jermell Charlo for all the titles at 154!
Former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-1, 22KOs) hasn’t fought since losing his WBA strap to Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39KOs) in July 2019. One of boxing’s best fighters when healthy, Thurman’s two year absence from the ring has greatly stunted his status as a top tier fighter. Between injuries and COVID-19, One Time can’t seem to catch a break. No pun intended.
However, he’s back in the gym preparing for yet another ring return. While he doesn’t have an opponent lined up just yet, he’s open to facing a number of fighters and not just in his division. One fighter in particular he would be interested in throwing hands with is unified junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo.
MAKING HISTORY MAKE SENSE
Speaking to fighthype.com, Thurman said the following about the prospect of moving up in weight to face Charlo.
“It would be hard, it would be hard to say no to all the belts. It would be hard to say no to making history, and becoming a champion once again in a new weight class. I’m here for the love of the sport, I love the credentials I have. I want to further my credentials and that fight entices me as far as lining up to further my credentials.
You know worst case scenario, right? I fall short, Thurman probably hops right back in the welterweight division, you know what I mean. But I’ve always had small admirations to move up, but I’ve always felt it would be a little bit more in that 34, 35 age bracket, maybe even at the last chapter at the 36 and beyond. So it’s never been at the forefront of my mind yet. It’s always been a maybe later kind of issue, but you know too many belts, too much for the history books. I might have to sign up.”
Obviously a fight between Thurman and Jermell Charlo would be highly intriguing. However, the Clearwater, Florida native needs to get back in the ring and be consistently active. Both men have power, good ring IQ’s and boxing skills, so a fight would make sense down the line. First things first for Thurman is to get his first fight in two years under his belt, then finish his business at welterweight. But, If an opportunity presents itself to fight for three of the four belts at 154, it’s one he must take.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
