Only One Name Makes Sense For Kieth Thurman Now

Keith Thurman Still Dangerous—But No Match for Fundora’s Nightmare Style

Jul 20, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Keith Thurman boxes against Manny Pacquiao (not pictured) during their WBA welterweight championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Pacquiao won via split decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The tallest super welterweight champion of all time, Sebastian Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs), just beat the man who was once described as boxing’s greatest athlete. That man, Keith Thurman (31-2, 23 KOs), looked all of his 37 years this past Saturday.

Thurman had his moments against Fundora, but the size difference was just too much for the Florida man. Even for 154, Thurman looked small for someone who’s 5’7. He looked small, and it looked like it was just a bad fight for him.

The truth is, California’s Sebastian Fundora was a bad fight for Thurman—and, well, just about anyone (just ask Rolly Romero). The height differential is just massive and incredibly difficult to prepare for. There is a reason Floyd Mayweather Jr. never fought Paul Williams when both were in their primes.

Keith Thurman | IMAGO / Sports Press Photo

Thurman was once described by legendary boxing coach Teddy Atlas as “the greatest athlete in boxing” at one point in his career. A big part of his success in his prime was his lateral movement and footwork.

One of Keith Thurman’s biggest wins came against Shawn Porter in a razor-close decision victory. The fight took place on June 25, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with all three judges scoring it 115-113.

It was a “Fight of the Year” candidate in which Porter (31-4-1) wanted to fight in Thurman’s chest. Thurman was able to get on his bicycle (so to speak) when needed and create just enough space to land some big punches at midrange to edge the fight.

Shawn Porter gave Kieth Thurman a tough fight | IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Thurman's footwork is gone. His power and his chin are still evident. In the second round, Fundora caught Thurman with a powerful shot, but Thurman’s legs buckled, but he wasn’t dropped.

Who should Thurman target next?

It’s now three title defenses and three KO victories for Sebastian Fundora, who is quickly becoming one of the most avoided fighters in the division.

A rumored matchup between Tim Tszyu (26-3, 20 KOs) and Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) is expected to be announced soon for this summer in Australia.

If Spence wins—or loses—that fight, a matchup between him and Keith Thurman makes a lot of sense. The two were on a collision course many years back.

With just three fights in six years, Thurman is back in the mix. Once nicknamed “One Time” for his power, he’s now closer to “No Time.” But a fight with Spence could still offer drama, legacy implications, and strong pay-per-view appeal.