Back when former two-time welterweight champion Keith Thurman took the fight against living boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in 2019, little did he know that his career would take such a turn. He went into the fight with the same confidence he did tonight against Brock Jarvis. However, the difference is that one worked out for the 36-year-old while the other ended disastrously. 

It’s been six years since that fateful night! With a spotty resume to show for it, ‘One Time’ Thurman has returned with the fire he was once known for. Unfortunately for Jarvis, he was at the receiving end of Thurman’s redemption arc. The Clearwater, Florida native knocked out his Australian adversary in the third round to prove he is still a major player in the game. 

Interestingly though, Jarvis won’t be the only Aussie Thurman will be fighting in his path back to boxing glory! Before his blockbuster performance tonight, the two-time welterweight champion confirmed a July fight against former WBO super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu. However, like a gripping mystery novel, there’s a catch to the potential fight. 

You see, Thurman was previously supposed to dance with Tszyu in March last year, but their date was interrupted due to a bicep tear Thurman suffered before the fight. Tszyu went on to lock horns with Sebastian Fundora and lost the fight in a bloody upset. ‘The Soul Taker’ tried to make a comeback against Bakhram Murtazaliev, but even that didn’t go Tszyu’s way. 

You must be wondering, yes, he lost two fights, but what’s the catch that may prevent Thurman and Tszyu from fighting? Well, according to Fox Sports Australia, No Limit CEO George Rose has claimed the fight can only be made if both Thurman and Tszyu win their fights. While Thurman has completed his part to make the fight, Tszyu has yet to face his April 6 opponent, Joseph Spencer, at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow. 

However, that’s not the only twist in the story! 

Keith Thurman is open to fights beyond Tim Tszyu

Following his dominant return after three years, the Clearwater, Florida native insists he is not locked into a fight with Tim Tszyu. “I’m open to any contract right now,” Thurman said after his victory. “Tim Tszyu’s not finalized. It’s very easy to say; it’s very easy to talk about. He came off two losses – he needs to get a W.”

Thurman acknowledged No Limit Boxing’s role in promoting fights in Australia but left the door open for other opportunities. “I can’t say that if a great contract was to come to me from the US that I wouldn’t sign it,” he added. For now, Thurman remains focused on securing the best possible fight regardless of where they come from.

That said, while Keith Thurman isn’t backing down from a potential fight with Tim Tszyu—a matchup No Limit Boxing is eager to make—the fight faces more than just a hurdle. Thurman also seems open to facing anyone who presents the biggest offer. Who would you like to see him fight next?