Keith Thurman is set to contend against Fundora for the WBC junior middleweight championship on March 28th. The seasoned 37-year-old boxer indicated that this match has the potential to reintegrate him into discussions for encounters with well-known adversaries who have also experienced extended periods of inactivity.
“Individuals are questioning my decision to face Fundora instead of Spence or Charlo,” Thurman remarked during an interview with The Ring. “While those would be excellent matchups, engagements cannot occur without signed agreements. These fighters have experienced layoffs, much like myself, and our schedules haven’t aligned. Thus, the question arises: do they require warm-up fights, or are they prepared to confront top-tier opponents immediately?”
Thurman maintains that the dynamic would shift considerably if he were to overcome Fundora and claim the WBC championship.
“They are unwilling to compete against me because I currently lack a global title,” Thurman stated. “They are not seeking the prestige. However, their desire to fight me will emerge once I vanquish Fundora. The balance of risk versus reward will normalize when I secure the championship, making it more straightforward for them to challenge me. We shall observe the unfolding events.”
Spence has remained out of action since his technical knockout defeat to Terence Crawford in July 2023 and has frequently mentioned a potential move to the 154-pound category. Charlo, who previously held the undisputed title in this division, has similarly been sidelined, with his most recent appearance being a loss against Saul Alvarez in September 2023.
Thurman has encountered comparable periods of inactivity throughout the latter part of his professional journey, participating in only a limited number of contests since his loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2019. The forthcoming match against Fundora marks his initial chance in several years to vie for a global championship and endeavor to re-establish his presence among the recognized figures within the division.
