Former unified world welterweight champion Keith Thurman has expressed his interest in facing former foe Shawn Porter upon his long-awaited ring return in 2020.
Thurman, known as ‘One Time’, has not fought since his split decision loss to ring icon Manny Pacquiao back in July 2019, but after a prolonged period of post-surgery recuperation feels ready to meet Porter once more following their exciting battle in 2016. Four years ago, Thurman (29-1-0, 22 KOs & 1ND) won a close decision in a fight of the year contender.
“I feel better now than the Pacquiao fight,” Thurman told the Impact Boxing Network. “I’m disappointed for having to put myself through that scenario. It’s a scenario I wanted to avoid, which is being an injured fighter being offered the biggest fight of your career, and you can’t say no. Now, I feel confident. I’ll be stronger and healthier than I’ve been in a long time
“I’ve heard that Shawn Porter might be interested in a rematch. That’s a legitimate fight. I want to see what else is out there right now, but it’s a good fight. We have a great rivalry, and I can already imagine the trash talking that could happen with that fight.
“We have a great history and the fans know it. There’s so much to it. Him, Danny [Garcia] and Pacquiao – those are all negotiable rematches at different times. We can do them. I just want to get back in the ring after being through so much.”