Who Should Keith Thurman Face Next?

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After another impressive performance on Saturday night against the rugged Italian, Leonard Bundu, Keith “One Time” Thurman marches on toward the summit of the iconic Welterweight division, edging ever closer to that tougher test he desires.

However, as the Floridian is clearly ready for a greater examination to prove his worth, who is next in line for the heavy-handed American?

Before Saturday night’s showdown, Thurman was in no way reserved when telling the world who he had his sights set on after he conquered the former European champion Bundu, with names like Amir Khan, Marcos Maidana and of course, Floyd Mayweather being at the forefront of his conversation. In the ring, it was a boxing clinic, as Thurman used a range of skills to punish the game Bundu for every second of the full 12 rounds, without even taking anything of note in return.

Despite this, it was apparent that after such a rapid start, in which Thurman dropped his challenger in the very first round, the fans unrest was clear for all to hear as they booed for the majority of the fight, which was slightly unfair, as it was a polished display by the 26-year-old champion against a strong opponent.

Nevertheless, the future looks very bright for the enthralling Thurman, who poses a genuine threat to many of the top welterweights in the world. But who would take that risk?

Marcos Maidana

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Keith Thurman himself is seemingly eager for a shootout with this Argentinian hard man, even calling out the former Floyd Mayweather foe in his post-fight interview on Saturday.

The bout itself would be an extremely exciting affair due to the big punching reputation of both men, leading to an absolute barnstormer of the highest proportion.

On the other hand, it is trivial whether Oscar DeLa Hoya–or Al Haymon–would risk a potential cash cow like Thurman against a dangerous opponent like Marcos Maidana. Well, with both Thurman and Maidana fighting under that Golden Boy banner, this thrilling matchup could be actually closer than we think.

Robert Guerrero

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A showdown with ‘The Ghost’ would most definitely increase Keith Thurman’s stock and propel him further up the welterweight ladder.

Although Robert Guerrero’s last bout was a fight of the year candidate with Yoshihiro Kamegai, he has found it hard to reignite his career after the demoralizing loss to Floyd Mayweather.

Nonetheless, a victory against a highly rated champion like Thurman would catapult the 31-year-old back into the mix of big names in the division, where a reinvigorated Guerrero would thrive.

Kell Brook

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This bout would be less likely to take place out of the three, but is just as interesting. It is no secret that Kell Brook is virtually unknown within the United States; therefore, a clash with ‘One Time’ would undoubtedly generate a necessary buzz.

A win against Keith Thurman though would prove that the Sheffield born fighter has unquestionably arrived at the top of the welterweight limit where tougher challenges await. For Thurman, a victory against Brook would further cement his position as a genuine threat to the crown of Floyd Mayweather by dethroning the IBF Welterweight champion.

Still, due to Brook’s continued pursuit of Amir Khan, it is very unlikely that we will see a Thurman vs. Brook clash anytime soon.

Photo by Ed Mulholland/Golden Boy Promotions/Getty Images

You could mention many others in the frame, with Shawn Porter, Victor Ortiz, Luis Collazo, Devon Alexander and Amir Khan all loitering around the thriving 147 pound weight class.

Almost all of the above would provide a different test for the ever developing Keith Thurman, who is aware that he has a lot of learning to do within the sport of boxing.

Still, Thurman would agree that it is now time for him to rise to a challenge at the summit of the illustrious division and he believes a clash with Marcos Maidana would initiate him as one of the top fighters who reside at the upper echelons.

Thurman’s talent is truly limitless, his boxing brain along with his devastating power will continue to pay dividends, so it is almost certain that Keith Thurman would come out victorious against all of the aforementioned fighters and wreak havoc in the sweet science for the next decade to come.