Keith Thurman Says He Will Rise Again!
Former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-1, 22KOs) was once considered the best welterweight in the division. That was until the injury bug hit him as hard as he’s known to hit his opponents. The multitude of injuries included a right-elbow injury that required surgery, and a deep bruise on his left hand. Those injuries, combined, shelved him for the remainder of 2017 and all of 2018.
However, when he did return, he would do so against Josesito Lopez in January of 2019, then follow up with a huge showdown with Manny Pacquiao in July of the same year. He would be upset by Pacquiao who dropped him in the first round. Thurman battled back his foe and could’ve very well been seen as the winner. He ultimately dropped a split decision, losing his WBA title.
With the injuries seemingly now behind him, the 33-year-old Clearwater, Florida native returns to the ring on February 5 against former WBA regular junior welterweight champion Mario Barrios (26-1, 17KOs). There are questions on whether or not Thurman can stay healthy long enough to compete in a loaded division. After all, he is still the same hungry fighter that was willing to step in the ring with Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana when he was on the rise and not yet viewed as a seasoned fighter. The answers will come once he steps in the ring with Barrios.
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Barrios is a young, strong, solidly skilled fighter. He’s coming off a big fight against Gervonta Davis whom stopped him in 11 rounds, back in June. That fight gave Barrios much needed experience and confidence as he handled himself well in defeat.
THURMAN VOWS TO RISE AGAIN!
However, the ultra confident Thurman is letting the world know that he may have fallen, but that he will rise again. Quite honestly it would be great for boxing to have Thurman back relevant. He’s a great fighter when healthy, provides action and has that explosive power to put any opponent down and out.
If nothing else, let’s hope he stays healthy. If he does, enticing matchups with the likes of Errol Spence, Terence Crawford, Yordenis Ugas, Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz all sit there as possibilities. First things first, he must handle his business against Mario Barrios, who won’t be an easy task.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
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