By Poerqe: Keith ‘One time’ Thurman (23-0, 21 KO’s) just obliterated Julio Diaz (40-10-1, 29 KO’s) in three rounds. This was the same Julio Diaz who knocked Amir Khan (29-3, 19 KO’s) down and fought to a draw against Shawn Porter (24-0-1, 15 KO’s). But where does Keith go from here. After the Jesús Soto Karass fight, Keith was looking for a big name opponent. He spoke to Schaeffer and Al Haymon and asked for Shawn Porter. It came as a surprise to me that Porter was quick to dismiss the fight.
The problem with both Thurman and Porter is, that they are high risk, low value fighters. Why would anyone go looking to mess with them for the low reward they bring to the table. Boxing has changed. It isn’t the sport where the best fight the best. Nowadays it’s where one fighter with name recognition fights another popular fighter. It’s who you know and more importantly how many boxing fans know your name.
And that’s why the Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter fight is a great matchup. A fight that should be made! Golden Boy Promotions needs to but Porter under more pressure to take the fight. It’s not only about the fact that you shouldn’t be allowed to run away from a challenge. This is a win/win situation for both. The casual boxing fan might know Keith or Shawn. But they aren’t household names by any means. I think the fight between the both could very well end as fight of the year candidate. And something like that can elevate you from a known fighter to a superstar.
Like the Maidana vs amir khan fight did for both. Amir became an instant hit in the states. Maidana probably didn’t strike while the iron was hot. But most was his own undoing. Like fighting twice in Argentina against nobodies and losing against Devon Alexander. But still the fight against Khan gave him credibility and name recognition this made it possible for him to be matched against other big names. And Maidana seized the opportunity with both hands by defeating Josesito López and Adrien Broner, which finally led to a clash with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.
If Thurman And Porter were to fight each other I see a similar thing happening to both. Yes, if that fight is made there won’t be any losers that night. The fans will enjoy a thrilling night and the fighters will enjoy the fruits of their labor with the time to come.
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