Boxing: Keith Thurman Knows ‘World Is Watching’ in Primetime

BROOKLYN, New York -- Keith Thurman exudes cool. With his long flowing hair pulled back in a ponytail and smooth demeanor, he seems more like someone that could easily be strumming a guitar in a smoky, after-hours joint singing Bob Dylan songs than a professional prizefighter who pummels guys in the ring.

Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) could definitely find his brand elevated to a level unknown to him on Saturday, when he meets Shawn Porter at the Barclays Center in the first fight shown on CBS primetime network television in nearly 40 years. He will be defending the WBA welterweight title against Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs). Thurman can lose his championship, or become a pound-for-pound entrant. Those are the stakes for the 27-year-old from Clearwater, Florida.

Most respected top-10 pound-for-pound lists include Andre Ward and Terence Crawford as the only two Americans. Some add Timothy Bradley. At the bottom, in the fine print listed beneath the headings “under consideration” or “others receiving votes,” is where you will find Thurman. He’s there for a good reason. Thurman hasn’t fought anyone as good as Porter. Luis Collazo and Robert Guerrero -- Thurman’s last two victories -- are tough outs, but the wilted stars are a combined 3-5 in their past eight fights.

An overwhelming victory over Porter places Thurman in position to crack the pound-for-pound list. He has a chance to become a recognized boxing star with crossover appeal; and boxing needs someone to fill the void that Floyd Mayweather Jr. left, someone who exudes cool.

“That could be me,” Thurman said with a laugh before flashing his million-watt smile. “No one can replace someone like Floyd, but I will agree that it’s a spot that’s open now among American fighters. It’s why I think this fight with Shawn is huge for both of us. You’re talking national TV in the middle of the summer. Basketball is over. Baseball season is still going on, but it’s June. My fight with Shawn is the biggest and best thing happening this weekend. We have a chance to show what boxing is really about. We’re two young guys in their prime facing each other, and we’re two guys who will fight. I just happen to be the better fighter.”

For the most part, it can be perceived as a pick-em fight. Thurman and Porter are athletic and possess fast hands, but here’s key point: Porter struggled in his loss to Kell Brook, more content on hopping around the ring and showing how springy his legs were than putting any real pressure on Brook, who beat him in August 2014. Porter never had an alternate plan.

If Thurman’s thudding blows don’t rock Porter, and chances are they won’t, expect Thurman to change gears and box more. He has that ability in his repertoire. His lateral movement could cause problems for the forward-hunting Porter, who may be left open by a few Thurman hit-and-run shots; and Thurman punches hard enough to get Porter’s respect.

“This could be a career-breaking or career-making fight for either of us,” Thurman said. “There is respect there. I know Shawn, but Shawn thinks he knows me. Knowing someone and actually facing them in the ring are two different things. Shawn will see that on primetime when the world is watching.”

Joseph Santoliquito is the president of the Boxing Writer's Association of America and a frequent contributor to Sherdog.com's mixed martial arts and boxing coverage. His archive can be found here.