Home/Boxing

After two years of inactivity in the ring, Keith Thurman undertakes his comeback against Tim Tszyu, a well-abled choice of an opponent. The former unified welterweight champion will face off at the T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas. What is the level of competitiveness this fight offers? An insight into their record and other details set the premise.

In 2022, against Mario Barrios, ‘One Time’ Thurman won on points. While his fans keenly awaited his return to the ring, the day never arrived, until now.  Tszyu, on the other hand, is the current WBO Super Welterweight titlist. His last fight against Brian Mendoza in October last year, worked immensely in his favour as he secured an easy, on points victory. When stacked against each other, both Thurman and Tszyu have a lot to boast about before they finally face off.

Who’s fought how much?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

32-year-old, Thurman undertook his pro-debut in the year 2007 in a Tampa event. That night, he secured a 1st-round technical knockout victory against Kensky Rodney, laying the premise for his career. Since then, every fight he undertook, he excelled, mostly through knockouts, assuming the role of a knockout powerhouse.

In 2013, against Diego Gabriel Chaves, he began his interim reign as the WBA welterweight champion. Two years later, after defeating Robert Guerrero, he sealed the title under his name. However, in 2019, 2 decades after his debut, his first loss was recorded after Manny Pacquiao defeated him via a split decision. With that fight, his reign as a champion also elapsed. At present, his record stands at 30-1, 22 KOs.

His Aussie opponent, Tszyu entered the pro-ring for the first time almost 10 years after One Time’s debut. The 29-year-old, ‘Soul Taker’ remains undefeated to date. In his 24-0 record, 17 of them are attributed to knockouts. Last year in March, after defeating Tony Harrison, his interim reign with the WBO crown began. Months later, in October, he solidified the title after he defeated Brian Mendoza on points.

Having established their records in the ring, it is also crucial we place the record in the context of their physical attributes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Thurman-Tszyu: Comparative record of physical strengths

Florida-based Thurman weighed about 145 lbs for his last in-ring engagement. However, two years since then, his current weight will be unveiled at the ceremonial weigh-ins before his fight against Tszyu. The latter, however, was recorded at 153 pounds, aligning with his super welterweight requirements. The fight will be at a catchweight of 155 lbs.

Thurman, 5-feet, 9.5 inches tall, has adept competition in his 5-feet, 8.5 inches tall opponent. Their reach too hovers in the same ballpark, with One Time at 69” and the Soul Taker at 70.5″. On the knockout ratios front, it is a close tiff again. Thurman at 73.33% and Tszyu at 70.83%.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Networth wise, Keith Thurman is recorded worth $3 million, and Tim Tszyu at double, $6 million. Who do you think could win this closely-pitted fight? Take your picks in the comments section below.

Also read: Will Inactivity Hamper Keith Thurman’s Performance Against Tim Tszyu? 2X Champion Doesn’t Think So