Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman has finally decided to address the concerns of fans who are wondering why he has chosen to face Tim Tszyu in a non-title clash at 154 pounds instead of challenging Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for his IBF welterweight title at 147 pounds.
Thurman claims that he was not offered a fight with the undefeated Ennis. He did not receive a contract with Ennis’ name on it. Instead, he was sent a contract with Tszyu’s name for a non-title fight at 154 pounds.
Some boxing fans may find it hard to believe Thurman’s explanation, as he has never shown any interest in facing Boots Ennis in the past. In fact, he once admitted that he didn’t even know who Ennis was.
It could be argued that Ennis is more popular in the United States than Tszyu, and fans would prefer to see Thurman face Ennis at 147 pounds rather than move up to 154 pounds.
Thurman explained, “Boots was not on the contract for the first quarter of this year. The contracts I’ve seen did not include Boots. That’s why I’m fighting Tim Tszyu instead of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, even though Ennis holds the IBF welterweight title.”
One possible reason why PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) may have chosen Tszyu as Thurman’s opponent is that it provides an excuse in case Thurman loses. If he is defeated, he can attribute it to moving up in weight to 154 pounds. This excuse wouldn’t be available if he faced Boots Ennis at 147 pounds and got knocked out.
Thurman emphasized that he doesn’t care about what people say or what they want to see. He takes what is presented to him. He also clarified that his decision to move up in weight is not due to any difficulty in making the 147-pound limit. He believes that his body frame is better suited for the higher weight class.
Thurman shared his strategy for moving up, stating, “I am bulking up, bringing the speed from 147 pounds, adding power, and hopefully gaining more strength. I will bulk up my muscles and have more overall mass as I maneuver around the ring and deliver powerful punches.”
He added, “We have a solid game plan, and I am excited for this competition. Moving up in weight is a fair move in boxing, and I am prepared for the challenge.”
Despite Thurman’s confidence, most fans believe that the 35-year-old will lose to Tszyu.
According to the Source boxingnews24.com