Keith Thurman Jr Apologies to Fans and Tim Tszyu After Being Forced To Pull Out Because of Bicep Tendon Snap in Training Camp

The road to return for Keith Thurman has more turns and twists than he expected. His two-year layoff doesn’t seem to end, as he pulled out of the scheduled fight against Tim Tszyu 12 days before the event. However, it seems the American boxer is ridden with guilt. Therefore, he has apologized to the fans and the undefeated Australian. Moreover, he gave a medical update on his injury. What did the former unified welterweight boxer say?

‘One Time’ turned to his social media and poured his heart out. Sibble Boxing shared the same clip later on its handles. Notably, Thurman, 35, was slated to face Tszyu, 29, on March 30 in Las Vegas. But a torn bicep tendon ruled him out, and Sebastian Fundora soon replaced him. This was supposed to be his third fight in almost 5 years, and a shot at bagging a WBO gold strap, but it couldn’t happen. So what’s the health update on the former champion? Thurman detailed himself.

Keith Thurman sends a heartfelt message to his fans and Tim Tszyu

In the clip, the fans can hear the 30-1 record-holder admitting the need for surgery and saying that he would get it done next week. Thurman said, “What’s up, everybody? You guys already know, bicep tendon snapped. I saw the doctor today. We talked about the surgery. We are trying to get it done next week, the sooner the better.”

The Florida native then expressed his intention to heal and recover and put himself “back to the beautiful sport of boxing.” Labeling the incident as unfortunate, he apologized to everyone who had banked their faith in him and supported him. He stated, “So it’s very unfortunate. I apologize to everyone who was really looking forward to this competition, who was in my corner trying to supporting me.”

Thurman also extended his token of thanks to all who showered love on him. He added, “It has been rough. It’s never easy for a competitor to step out of a competition, especially when we were two weeks out, 5 pounds to go. Working and rolling hard, man.” He then issued a special apology to Tszyu, at 24-0 with 17 KOs, and kept the hopes of a future clash alive.

Read More: “The Leading Cause of Injuries Is Poor Ticket Sale”: Keith Thurman’s Pull Out Just 12 Days Before Tim Tszyu Fight Makes Fans Angry

The welterweight champion continued, “I apologize to Tszyu. You wanted to punch me; I wanted to punch you. Hopefully, in the future, we could still make that happen someway, somehow, maybe.” Lastly, Thurman also wished Sebastian Fundora, at 20-1-1, luck in his fight and urged everyone to support and enjoy the show. But how does Tszyu feel about the development, as he now has to face a taller and lanky opponent?

Tim Tszyu is unfazed

Tszyu told reporters at a media event in Las Vegas that the change did not affect him. “This fight is all about awkwardness when you have someone that tall. But nothing fazes me. It is what it is, and the show goes on,” he said, expressing his determination ahead of the fight.

The winner of Tszyu vs. Fundora has to open up the negotiations with the new mandatory, Terence Crawford, who leveraged his WBO super champion’s status to bag a title shot in his fourth weight class.

What do you make of these comments by Keith Thurman? Do you believe in whatever he had to say about the cancellation of the fight? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: “When a Fighter Meets an NBA Player”: Tim Tszyu Facing Off Sebastian Fundora Makes Australian Look Like a ‘Toddler’; Fans Give Wild Response