In a short time, former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman (28-0-0, 22 KOs) will return to the ring after being inactive for nearly two years.
Thurman was last seen in action in March 2017, when he won a split decision over Danny Garcia in a twelve-round duel at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The American boxer will be working in the same place, January 26, while defending his WBA world title versus Josesito Lopez, on the US TV channel FOX.
Despite having had a long period of inactivity, Thurman still sees himself as the best fighter in the welterweight division. He sees IBF welterweight champion, Errol Spence, as the 147-pound’s second-best boxer in the division, but he said WBO champion Terence Crawford does not deserve to be one of the top 147 lbs.
Crawford, who unified the overall titles of the light welterweight division, made his welterweight debut earlier this year as he took the WBO world crown by knocking out Jeff Horn. He then defended the title by defeating by knockout Jose Benavidez at the end of the fight.
Thurman is considered one of the hardest punchers in the welterweight division. In his opinion, Crawford still has a lot to prove to be considered one of the big players in the division.
“Keith Thurman No. 1, Errol Spence No.2, and for the rest it’s debatable. I’ve said it over and over again, I give no credit to “Bud” Crawford since he was in the 147 lbs. He still has no rivals on his record that can serve us as references.” Thurman said.
Keith Thurman to face Josesito Lopez on January 26, 2019. (Source:www.boxingnews24.com)
Thurman also had a say in the discussions that a possible duel between Spence and Crawford will establish who the real top welterweight fighter is.
“You can not have a No. 1 fighter when you have three undefeated champions. It’s the stupidest thing in the world! Let’s be honest. You cannot have three undefeated world champions.” Thurman said.
“I mean, Terence Crawford and Errol Spence, it’s a good fight. But Keith Thurman vs. Errol Spence, and Keith Thurman vs. “Bud” Crawford, I think they’re better fights,” he added.
