The Champion's Frustration: Keith Thurman's Fight for Transparency
At 36 years old, with a six-year gap since his last world championship reign, Keith Thurman's excitement for his upcoming title shot against WBC 154lbs champion Sebastian Fundora was palpable. However, when Fundora withdrew from their highly anticipated October 25th Premier Boxing Champions main event due to a hand injury, Thurman's disappointment was equally evident.
In a candid Instagram post and a follow-up conversation with BoxingScene, Thurman expressed his frustration with Fundora's last-minute withdrawal. As a former unified welterweight champion who has battled through various injuries and ailments to keep fights alive, Thurman couldn't help but question the timing and severity of Fundora's injury.
"I had to speak my mind on Instagram... before we step into the ring, he's going to have to deal with some verbal jabs," Thurman, with a record of 31-1 (23 KOs), said about Fundora, 23-1-1 (15 KOs). He added, "A hand contusion sounds more like a sprained ankle. I don't wish serious injury on anyone, but my injuries have been severe."
Thurman shared his own experiences, revealing he fought through multiple cortisone shots in his left hand against Josesito Lopez and took even more before his bout with Manny Pacquiao. He then underwent surgery, demonstrating his commitment to the sport despite the physical toll.
"If Fundora's doctor says he needs three weeks, and we're fighting in two, I've got a doctor who can help you get back on track," Thurman suggested. "It makes me wonder about the real issue here and whether his hand will truly be ready. We're not talking about carpal tunnel; we hit foreheads. In three weeks, will he be ready for training camp? I want some clarity and maybe an apology."
Thurman expressed his willingness to step into the ring during the interim if Fundora's recovery extends beyond the expected late January pay-per-view card featuring Manny Pacquiao.
"I'm ready to fight now," Thurman said. "That contract is null and void. There was no clause for postponement. This is boxing. We still want this fight. It's a great matchup: young lion versus old lion. I hope Fundora recovers soon, but we must take life day by day."
On the day Fundora withdrew, Thurman had just completed a training run and opted to honor an eight-round sparring session with a younger fighter preparing for a November bout. Sporting bruises under his eyes on Sunday, Thurman lamented the situation.
"This is unfortunate for everyone involved - the undercard fighters, the fans who booked trips and bought tickets," Thurman said. "I'm disappointed. We put our bodies on the line, and what we do is unique compared to any other sport. We are the original contact sport athletes. It's my job to inflict pain on others, and at almost 37, I've had my fair share of surgeries and training-related injuries."
Thurman remains optimistic about the fight's eventual occurrence, citing his own comeback from a whiplash injury to prepare for an eight-week camp before defeating Shawn Porter. "If anyone knows how to wait, believe, and achieve, it's Keith Thurman," he said.
As fights in the U.S. have become scarce, Thurman admitted his patience will be tested during this waiting period for Fundora's recovery.
"It's tough out here with no more fights in America," he said. "With some rest, Fundora should be ready. If it takes longer, book me somewhere else."
While Thurman has plans for various post-retirement ventures, including fitness training, motivational speaking, and youth counseling, he emphasized, "My heart and intentions are in the ring. I haven't heard the final bell yet. I believe I can be a world champion again. I'm a man of faith, patience, and belief. I won't let anyone bring me down."
Thurman competes in boxing's most competitive division, where unified welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis recently made his 154lbs debut with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima. Promoter Eddie Hearn proclaimed Ennis as the best in the division, a statement that Thurman addressed with a dose of reality.
"It's easy to say you're the best in the world when you knock out a tune-up opponent," Thurman said about Ennis and Hearn. "Show up and prove it. Boots Ennis is a talented fighter, but is he truly the best at 154? There are bigger challenges awaiting at this weight. If you want to talk about knocking out Vergil Ortiz, beat the winner of Ortiz vs. Lubin on November 8th, and then we'll talk."
And if all goes according to plan, Thurman will be there, ready to face the winner, with his patience and belief intact.
