Keith Thurman rejects the idea that he is now a stepping stone for younger fighters and hopes to fight three times in a year as he continues his comeback.
The 33-year-old welterweight is a former unified champion and spent two-and-a-half years out of the ring before returning to action this February, when he defeated Mario Barrios by unanimous decision.
Thurman has 31 fights to his name with 22 knockouts, and has suffered a single loss, to Manny Pacquiao in 2019, which had been his last fight before his comeback win over Barrios.
Speaking to BoxingScene.com, Thurman said that any younger fighters will not be able to approach him with complacency.
“These young guys need to know, Keith Thurman is not a gatekeeper,” he said. “If they try to find out, they’ll learn that the gate is welded shut.”
Both of the division champions, Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, do not appear available for a fight until they settle the undisputed status at 147lbs, which is expected to take place towards the end of this year.
Thurman explained he would try to stay busy.
“I’m already stuck like Chuck,” Thurman stated. “We’re already into the summer and it’s not like they’re lining up to fight me anyway. So, we have to look at a date that’s a little further out right now. If six weeks ago we had a legitimate rumour of an earlier date, I’d have been able to grind.
“I was willing to take a lesser fight just to get back in the ring. But as long as I fight two times this year, that will have to be good enough. Get back in October, then hopefully pick up some momentum and have a 12-month span where we’re fighting three times. It will be easier when I get back my title.”