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.

[ykdadamaja]

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.

All Keith needs to do is market himself. You see? This is the big difference between Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman: Thurman is just being "managed". Danny Garcia is being managed, "promoted" AND "marketed" and also branded.

Danny has positioned himself to be the next undefeatable fighter post-Floyd. A Latino version of Mayweather. Branding. Danny Garcia is also engaging with the fans, in a humble charismatic way.

This also explains how Adrien Broner amassed a few million dollar paydays by just engaging the public. That's all. Of course, he was saying he was the next Floyd Mayweather- but we all know that wasn't even close to being true. Broner put himself next to greatness and didn't fall to far from it.

This was the thing. We don't even talk about Thurman's purses, knowing full well he can beat Broner and push Garcia to the limit, while those two are making money for fighting the same types of bums Thurman can ko in the first five rounds or less.

The worse thing about this is that Thurman started his professional career before Broner, and the same month as Garcia did.

[Spicoli]

Thurman should take his time and be careful what he shouts for. The Kid has quality potential but he's also easy to hit and looks like a spring tight bundle of nerves. I also don't buy this "one time" instant ko power he is cocooning himself in. He was ringside for the undressing and deflating of Porter. Stay impressive, sharp and round out the fundamentals. Last thing we need is yet another flavor of the month.