Keith Thurman Open to Facing Erislandy Lara at 154!
Ever since boxing legend Manny Pacquiao beat him and usurped his Super WBA title, welterweight fighter Keith “One Time” Thurman (30-1, 22 KO’s) has largely been cast into limbo. Following his impressive 2017 win over Danny Garcia, Thurman would go two years without a fight. During that time, the fans and media shifted their attention to unified 147-pound champion Errol Spence Jr and WBO welterweight champ Terence Crawford. So, once denuded of his title and leveraging power at the bargaining table, One Time has been left wanting.
Thurman is coming off a solid victory over Mario Barrios, yet this is not the type of fight that the Floridian craves. He easily remembers the days when he was the cream of the 147-pound crop and yearns for that championship status again. With this being the case, Thurman is happy with prizefights that will allow him to feed his family. Yet, in the end, One Time is still out to secure more boxing glory, as he explained to Fight Hub TV.
“I said I was willing to move up because [Erislandy] Lara mentioned my name. He mentioned Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, it seems like he just wants to fight a name. So at the end of the day, I said I’d be willing to do that too. If that’s the best contract that I can get right here, right now, and be a three-time, two-divisional world champion! I don’t want to be at ’54, I’m still devoted to ’47 but when you say those words out loud, ‘three-time, two-divisional world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman!’ Like okay, now it’s sounding a little too nice. If you send the paperwork over and I’ll probably sign it!”
PUT UP OR SHUT UP!
It’s unsurprising to hear that Regular WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (29-3-3, 17 KO’s) is gunning for a big name. The slick, but aging Cuban definitely doesn’t have much more time on the clock. He is kicking forty in the teeth being 39 years of age.
In his last duel, he bested UK import Gary O’Sullivan and before that he trounced Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, Greg Vendetti and Ramon Alvarez.
None of these names will supply the thrill of competition, or payday, that The American Dream is looking for. So perhaps, a dustup with Thurman is just what the doctor ordered. Let’s wait and see if Team Lara responds to One Time expressing his mutual interest in a battle!
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By: Bakari Simpson
