Editorials

Keith Thurman: 3 Keys to a Fan-Fetching Performance

Keith “One Time” Thurman (24-0-0, 21 KOs) has built the reputation as a guy who knows how to put his opponent down, a fighter with a knockout mentality. Check out Alex McLeish’s three keys for Thurman to turn in a fan-fetching performance.

2. Box Smart Use Superior Footwork

Keith Thurman vs. Leonard Bundo - Ed Mulholland Golden Boy Promotions Getty Images 2

As I mentioned in the first key, Robert Guerrero will benefit greatly if he’s able to drag Keith Thurman into a slug fest and war of attrition where he can slowly grind Thurman down over the course of the fight.

What Thurman needs to realize is that he can still provide a very watchable fight while using his faster feet and superior boxing skills to regulate the exchanges on his terms, from the outside, and in the middle of the ring.

While Guerrero will be attempting to dictate Thurman’s positioning, Thurman will be circling-out to his left, while side-stepping, counter punching and holding when necessary in order to prevent an inside fight.

Possessing faster feet and hands will put Thurman in a position to use his lateral movement to attack Guerrero from different angles.

One would assume Thurman will better maintain his endurance as the fight goes on against the older Guerrero, who’s only fought once in each of the last three years, so there’s no need for Thurman to get blinded by the lights and begin to chase a knockout early.

Instead, if Thurman can establish a points-lead by the later third of the fight, he’ll be able to take more chances, and in-turn, become the fighter who can effectively grind down his opponent while the fight drags into deeper waters.

By the championship rounds, Thurman will be able to frustrate and pick Guerrero apart, who will only get slower as he chases and gets hit more.

This will allow Thurman to turn the tables, now being the fighter who’s pushing his opponent back and putting him in a position to go for the late stoppage.

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