Keith Thurman’s Explosive Return & Potential Next Opponent
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Keith Thurman, the former WBC World Welterweight Champion, looked vintage on March 12 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, Australia. Making his return to the ring, he showcased his superb skills and secured an emphatic third-round knockout victory over hard-hitting Australian Brock Jarvis.
A Vintage Return
After three years of inactivity, Keith “One Time” Thurman (31-1-0) made his return to the ring, this time moving up to super welterweight. He faced off against the young and tough Australian Brock Jarvis (22-2-0).
Now 36 years old, the former champion faced skepticism from many pundits and fans. They were uncertain about what to expect after such a long hiatus. However, Thurman silenced any potential naysayers and doubters with his impressive stoppage victory over the 27-year-old Jarvis.
Round 1
The fight opened with both men taking the center of the ring as they measured one another. Once comfortable, Thurman showed off his quality counter-punching ability as he buzzed the young Australian with a right hand. The action ensued shortly after this initial big moment as Jarvis responded with his own counter punching. Jarvis tagged Thurman with a thudding short left hand as the former champion looked to close the distance.
Realizing he landed a quality shot, Jarvis started to unload a flurry of combinations to the body of Thurman. The older fighter shelled up to negate this wild combination of punches from the younger Jarvis. Thurman nullified the action by initiating a clinch until separated. Once back in open space, Thurman returned to his trust jab, ending the round with an awkward, yet impressive looking uppercut to the chin of Jarvis.
Round 2
The second round looked different from the opening round. Thurman was able to work more freely. This was thanks to his punch selection and ring generalship. Thurman did a good job of delivering his fair share of punches and remaining defensively responsible.
Jarvis came out with a guns blazing approach. Thurman stifled him in this round, missing punches and being met with thudding counters in return. Thurman sat on his punches more as the second round progressed. He ended it with a big right hand to the head and a left to the body of Jarvis.
Round 3
By this point, Thurman had complete control of the distance and was dictating the action behind his popping jab. Jarvis struggled to cut the ring off and slow down the superior footwork of the American. Both fighters began exchanging body shots in the latter half of the round. Jarvis landed a hard right hand to Thurman’s midsection, but Thurman responded with a devastating left hook to the body. The shot marked the beginning of Jarvis’ downfall as he recoiled in pain and tightened his guard. Sensing the moment, Thurman wasted no time, measuring up and delivering a crushing right hand to Jarvis’ temple.
Clearly buzzed, Jarvis started to move backwards from Thurman. However, it was too little too late as Thurman swarmed the younger man with fight-ending punches. Thurman eventually sent Jarvis to the canvas with a cracking uppercut through the Australian’s guard. Thurman began dancing in early-celebration as he anticipated Jarvis not being able to beat the ref’s count. However, Jarvis did in fact rise to his feet in-time, showing commendable toughness and resilience. Thurman would immediately close the distance, delivering the knockout left hook.
Thurman & Tszyu’s Unfinished Business
Once the fight was over, Thurman was interviewed about his performance and time away from the ring. He stamped his performance, saying, “Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman is back, baby. Anyone can get it.” The interviewer then inquired about a potential fight with Tim Tszyu, asking, “Tim Tszyu has an appointment on April 6 with Joey Spencer. We know that. But, if all that goes well for him, are you coming back [to Australia] for Tim Tszyu?”
Thurman answered, “Yeah, I just raised the bar on you, Tszyu. This is three years of inactivity; you see what I do. If you want to return, you must come back hard, baby. Represent Australia; show them what you have. American fight, it ain’t me, but we got another American fighter coming for you, boy. You best believe America’s fighters don’t lay down for anyone. Best of luck to Tim Tszyu. I’m looking forward to fighting anyone in the world of boxing. If that contract manifests, you know what Keith Thurman does. Send the contract. I’ll sign it. I’ll be happy to make the fight happen.”
This was the most intriguing moment of his post-fight interview. The two former world champions were originally scheduled to fight back on March 30 last year. However, the main event contest was scrapped after Thurman suffered a bicep injury in training.
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