U.K. boxer Amir Khan has already said he wants to be Floyd’s next opponent — Khan seems to be forever waiting in the boxing wings for a big bout — and Manny Pacquiao wants a rematch. The latest to vocalize his desire for a shot at Mayweather, the super WBA, WBO and WBC champ, is American fighter, Keith Thurman.
In a match-up with Mayweather, Thurman, the regular WBA welterweight champ, would have the advantage when it comes to age. Also undefeated at 25-0, Thurman is 26, while the 48-0 Mayweather is 38. Would Money put his undefeated record on the line against a boxer 12 years his junior?
Thurman, a vicious puncher, is certainly hoping so. “I would love Floyd Mayweather – he’s the man. Until the man retires, he’s the man,” Thurman told ‘On the Ropes Boxing Radio. “I want to be a legend and the best way to become a legend is by taking out a legend, and that would be Floyd Mayweather.”
There is an obstacle in Thurman’s way — he has an upcoming fight he has to win first. In his first fight since taking out Robert Guerrero in March, Thurman goes up against Luis Collazo on July 11 in Tampa Bay. A loss to the 36-6 Collazo, 34, would leave Mayweather turning his nose up at Thurman. In fact the victory will have to be impressive to get Mayweather’s attention.
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe has confirmed his boxer will fight in September, likely the 12th. This pundit says that if Manny Pacquiao’s injury isn’t healed then Khan will finally get his shot.
If not Khan though, Thurman could well be the next man to step into the ring with Money.
