Keith Thurman?!? If You Was Al Haymon . . .

[Ant Live]

One Time seems to be an KO artist. I say "seems" because Carlos was scared before he did his ring walk. Wasn't really much of a fight. Nonetheless, Keith did what he had to do.

If you was Al Haymon on Keith Thurman advisor, how would you guide his career for 2013 and/or 2014?


Thoughts??

[Master]

Keith looked wild and the opponent looked shot. He thinks he can punch and must therefore develop his boxing skills if he wants to progress in the game and not love his power too much.

[Tam Seddon]

I agree he needs to work on his boxing, he clearly has power but as soon as somebody can stand up to his power and has boxing ability I think Thurman will struggle. He has youth on his side though and could certainly work on his technique. We will have to see how he progresses though, no doubt any top 154 fighter would beat him though.

[Onix]

I say he goes fights Angulo, Kirkland, and maybe Cotto next year. That would be an awesome progression to see him get best.

[Ant Live]

IMO, if you want Keith to make a statement, I'll keep him at 154 and go after a title shot against K9. Getting a title will raise his ranking and put him in the top tier of opponents. Top 3 at 154 is Mayweather, Alvarez and Cotto(should Cotto defeat Trout). If he don't get a big time money fight with the top 3, like someone else said, Kirkland and Augulo would be some good fights while they last. To see if he can handle a boxer/mover, Molina is the man.

BUT, if you want Keith to get a money fight sooner then later, I'll keep him at 147 to fight The Ghost and/or Bradley. Rois if he want it. That way he could be next in line to whomever, they are calling out. Ghost calling out Mayweather and Bradley calling out Pacman.

[Hulk]

I say he goes fights Angulo, Kirkland, and maybe Cotto next year. That would be an awesome progression to see him get best.

I actually thought Thurman looked really good and did exactly what he needed to in order to neutralize the tricky Quintana.

Paul Williams and Cotto showed that if you jump on Quintana then you can get him outta there early.

IF you let a guy like Quintana stick around and try to box him then he can give you fits.

He's like Kenny Norton, if you are a puncher then you jump on him right away and don't give him a chance to box your ears off.

Also, I agree with your opponent list Onix, especially Kirkland. That would be an amazing fight ! Could be over quick tho.

[CutMeMick]

Needs a lot of polishing still...

I don't think he's ready for the top guys.
I'd have him fight someone like:
Mike Jones, Luis Abregu, Selcuk Aydin or even Randal Bailey.

[beenKOed]

One Time seems to be an KO artist. I say "seems" because Carlos was scared before he did his ring walk. Wasn't really much of a fight. Nonetheless, Keith did what he had to do.

If you was Al Haymon on Keith Thurman advisor, how would you guide his career for 2013 and/or 2014?


Thoughts??

Have to agree with the majority, he's a good puncher with good instincts, but seems to need work on his boxing and defence.
It could be that he just has an awkward style that makes him look unpolished, but he definitely takes too many punches.
He seems to be in a hurry, so trying to bring him along steadily but cautiously is not going to work. So many names have been mentioned and Thurman said he's calling out all of boxing at 147 or 154 so let's set back and enjoy the ride. It's going to be fun.

[p4pking]

Lots of good calls so far, I thought he did look to have legit power but it's hard to make much else out given Quintana was more or less there for a paycheck.

If he really believes in his power I think Brandon Rios would be a perfect test of just where he stands. If you can't beat that guy you'll never be a legitimate world level guy, boxer or puncher imo.

[Kirkland Laing]

I think CMM is right, a few more learning fights before he goes in with Angulo/Kirkland level fighters. I want to see Angulo fight Kirkland again anyway.