Fresh off his exhilarating upset win over previously undefeated European champion Frankie Gavin, Leonard Bundu has his sights firmly set on American heavy hitter, Keith “One Time” Thurman and his illustrious WBA interim strap, which is up for grabs this Saturday night.
The tough Italian defied the odds against the highly touted Gavin back in August, which is a feat he will be looking to replicate against a maturing Thurman.
However, it will take a monumental effort if he is to overthrow the man known as One Time, who is a completely different specimen indeed.
Thurman, who has stormed to an impressive 23 fight unbeaten record in the paid ranks, has looked supersonic recently.
The 26 year old was in fine form in his last three bouts against Diego Chaves, Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, who were all exposed by Thurman’s exceptional power along with his classy technique, finally succumbing to his relentless attacks.
I have been very impressed with Thurman’s progress thus far, but he still awaits a stern test to catapult him to the summit of the renowned Welterweight division.
Can Bundu provide this test?
When Leonard Bundu faced off with Frankie Gavin a few months back, no one could predict the toe-to-toe, back-and-forth scrap it turned out to be. Most were confident Gavin would ease to a points win, continuing on his assault for a world title.
However, the more the fight went on, the more Bundu’s talents became increasingly evident. The Italian is a genuine tough guy who sets a relentless pace throughout the full 12 round distance. He can take a punch and also packs a decent punch as well.
Still, Thurman is most definitely a step up in class for Bundu, but if One Time is slightly off his game, does the 40 year old have a slim chance of snatching another undefeated record along with a world title in the process?
Well, having followed the undefeated puncher from Florida closely, I can honestly see only one winner on Saturday night. Thurman’s ring generalship should have Bundu chasing shadows for the majority of the fight, cancelling out the Italian’s strong qualities and culminating in a definitive points victory for the reigning interim champion.
Therefore, it will be onward and upward for Thurman, who will then add himself to the ever growing list of stars scrabbling in the 147 pound weight class for a shot at the ultimate supremacy.
