By: Sean Crose
A lot can change in the course of a decade. Ten years ago the fight world was zeroed in on the impending (some would say belated) Floyd Mayweather – Manny Pacquiao super fight that was set to go down that May. Now, a decade later, both Mayweather and Pacquiao are long retired. Yet another shining star from that era will be returning to the ring this Wednesday in Australia. For the 30-1 former welterweight titlist Keith Thurman will be back after a three year absence to take on the little known 22-1 Brock Jarvis in a scheduled 10 rounder in Jarvis’s Aussie homeland.
Thurman, in his prime, was a must see attraction. A hard hitting, keenly skilled and disciplined fighter, the native Floridian was both popular and respected. His colorful personality also made the man interesting outside of the ring. Whether he was donning a beard and ponytail or playing woodwinds in a local park, Thurman was without doubt one of the more fascinating fighters in the business. Sure enough, the only man to ever beat Thurman was the legendary Pacquiao in his last great performance. Suffice to say the bout was very close until the final bell rang and Pacquiao walked away with a decision win.
Thurman has only fought once since losing to Pacquiao and that was a 2022 performance against Mario Barrios. Thurman got the UD win that night, but hasn’t fought since. In truth, Thurman has been a part time fighter throughout much of his career, a terrific athlete forever sidetracked by injuries. That’s been too bad for Thurman and too bad for fight fans. Should he impress against Jarvis, however, opportunities may present themselves for the former welterweight hotshot. There’s a potential high profile battle against Tim Tszyu, for instance. First, however, Thurman has to get past Jarvis and avoid injury.
As for Jarvis, the 27 year old is now looking at the chance of a lifetime. A win over the venerable Thurman would certainly place his name on the map. And, at 36 years of age and largely inactive, Thuman my be in line for an upset in Australia. What’s more, all of Jarvis’ 22 wins have come by knockout, so at the very least the guy knows what it’s like to end things early. Still, an older and less active Keith Thurman is still Keith Thurman…a man who never should be taken lightly.
