When will Keith Thurman step up his level of competition?

[Rantcatrat]

Leonard Bundu is Thurman's latest challenge in December, which marks only the second time he's fought all year. He's one of the more exciting fighters in the game, and with most of the talent at welterweight under Haymon, why hasn't Thurman stepped up? Do you think they are moving him slowly because his handlers think he needs to be moved slowly, or for another less concerning reason?

[Beanflicker]

I don't buy that Thurman and his camp are ducking anyone. I've seen Thurman call out big names for several years now: Floyd, Pac, Khan, Bradley, Alexander, Broner, Maidana, Porter, Malignaggi, ect. I don't think any of these guys want to get in there with him because he's stuck in the "big risk, low reward" boat that so many young prospects with little name recognition get stuck in.

So to answer your question, I think he'll step up his competition when the competition is willing to sign on the line and get in there with him.

[Manuel "Chubby" Medina]

He can step up hiz competition but hiz quality iz alrdy peaked. I honestly think hez an ability only fighter an will get delt by a top quality fighter.

[powerpuncher]

he has been injured so hes probably taking an easier fight at the moment. i think that he will get a fight against a top guy in 2015. i cant see it not happening unless he loses. i really like thurman and hope he has success.

[ykdadamaja]

I don't buy that Thurman and his camp are ducking anyone. I've seen Thurman call out big names for several years now: Floyd, Pac, Khan, Bradley, Alexander, Broner, Maidana, Porter, Malignaggi, ect. I don't think any of these guys want to get in there with him because he's stuck in the "big risk, low reward" boat that so many young prospects with little name recognition get stuck in.

So to answer your question, I think he'll step up his competition when the competition is willing to sign on the line and get in there with him.

This is why Donaire's nod to Walters was good for boxing. Notice all of these names are tied in with one guy, one way or the other- Al Haymon.

If Thurman wants to be someone he should jump ship and go to Arum.... as shitty as that sounds...

[Silkeyjoe]

Bundu isnt bad. Unbeaten and just beat former amateur world champion Frankie Gavin. I expect Thurman to dispatch Bundu pretty easily but its a decent opponent for him. Id love to see him in with the big dogs in the weight but as Ive said before guys like Floyd and Pac wont go near him.

[ykdadamaja]

When will someone want to fight Thurman? This is the question. There apparently has to be a lot of money on the table...

[Beanflicker]

When will someone want to fight Thurman? This is the question. There apparently has to be a lot of money on the table...

That's the thing, to fight a guy like Keith Thurman who is young, explosive, skilled and has legit one-punch KO power in both hands, there's going to have to be some serious incentive, and unfortunately for Keith he just doesn't bring enough money to the table at this point.