Six months on from his victory against Mario Barrios, Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman is ready to take the show on the road and fight up-and-coming welterweight, Conor Benn.
Thurman, whose only career loss has been to all-time great Manny Pacquiao, told Fight Hub TV that he has the capacity to face the best.
The former unified welterweight champion is said to be getting his weight ready and, at 33, is keen to fight before the year ends. Despite not being too familiar with Benn, he said that he wouldn’t shy away from the challenge.
“I had to Google what his face looks like, so I kind of have an image now. He’s a London boy, a European fighter? It seems like he has a decent boxing background, coming from a fighting family.”
“If his management has a contract and a legitimate payday. I’ll fight all the young fighters; I’ll fight them all.”
“I love great fights; I love good contracts. So, if the money is there on the table, the date is good, and we can make it happen. I’ve never fought overseas. It might entice me.”
As for Benn, his immediate future is unclear. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that his star will be fighting on October 8 at the O2 Arena, with the not-so-small matter of an opponent yet to be announced.
Benn has mentioned the Thurman fight and it would certainly be the step-up fans are eager to see – however with just over eight weeks to go, an announcement would have to be made soon.
On this side of the pond, rumours surrounding a catchweight clash between Benn and fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr continue to gather pace. Hearn says a deal is “close” but not signed off yet.