WBA (reg) welterweight champion Keith Thurman headlined the inaugural PBC card on NBC back in March, and on July 11th he will headline the debut PBC on ESPN card when he faces New York southpaw Luis Collazo live from the USF Sundome in Tampa, FL – in what is said to be another crucial step in Thurman’s quest to be a breakout boxing star of the future.
Speaking at a conference call to promote the fight via fighthubtv, undefeated Thurman, who defends the strap he won against Robert Guerrero 4 months ago, said he plans on continuing in his current vein and is constantly learning new things about the sport.
“I’m looking forward to being champion, it’s been my dream being champion and staying champion, being one of the major champions in the world in the sport of boxing. Right now I believe I’m one of the most talked about welterweights currently in the division.”
And it would seem elusive ‘advisor’ Haymon believes in “One Time” too, trusting his undefeated charge with being one of the “faces” of his Premier Boxing Champions brand.
“Opening on ESPN is a blessing and a pleasure. I believe Al (Haymon) is recognising my hard work and dedication to the sport and I’m gonna try keep moving forward. Hopefully just live up to the hype, man.”
However, the raised profile of the Florida man certainly has it’s pitfalls, with the down-to-earth Thurman finding there are ever increasing demands on his time outside of his training;
“This camp in general I’ve had more appearances than I needed to make, more interviews, less time to myself, less time to stick to my regimen – so I’ve had to make adjustments and get used to making these adjustments. Especially when you’re on this kind of stage, making these kind of pay cheques. I used to think it was all boxing but now I’m understanding the business.”
“(I’m)26 years old, a young guy, and we’re learning constantly in the sport of boxing, inside the ring and outside the ring. I try to stay level headed, I try to stay humble and I’m looking forward to the career that’s ahead of me.”
With fighting peers such as Shawn Porter, Amir Khan and IBF champion Kell Brook, to name just a few, there are plenty of fights to be made for Thurman, particularly with guys also under the Haymon umbrella.
As a potential name in the hat as an outside shot at Mayweather in September also, the one thing that is abundantly clear, is that Keith Thurman has options.
Yet first, he must get past Collazo.
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
