Keith Thurman is raring to make a comeback following his defeat last year at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. But because of recent surgery, it might take time for the American to box again. Thurman though is willing to speed things up if the Pacman will give him another shot, for a rematch possibly this 2020.
One of the long-term goals by Thurman is to snatch back the crown that Pacquiao took from him in the summer of 2019. It's a strong motivation for him to accelerate his recovery in order to face the Filipino boxing icon. Thurman was convinced he could have brought down the decorated fighter from the Philippines, so when he gets the chance, he'll make sure he wins.
"I would love that rematch [with Pacquiao], and I would like the opportunity to get my belt back," Boxing News 24 reported the former world champion as saying.
There is no plan to rush in climbing back to the ring this year, but Thurman made clear he will not pass up on a chance to duke it out with Pacquiao again.
"I need to make that phone call in the near future ... If I was to ever get in the ring as soon as possible, only a rematch would make me excited enough to do that," said Thurman, who the report described as one of the best fighters in his class.
Also, Thurman assured that his recent surgery will not negatively impact his fighting ability, more so on his punching power.
"I had two doctors assure me this will prolong my career, because this is a bone fusion. When bone heals, it usually heals stronger. So I'm hoping to return to the original Keith 'One Time' Thurman," he explained.
In reality, however, getting Pacquiao to line him for a rematch and so soon could be next to impossible, at least this year. The Filipino boxer has his hands full in 2020. A scheduled fight in April could pit Pacquiao against Danny Garcia.
For his part, Garcia will tussle with Ivan Redkach on January 25, and a win over the Ukrainian could set him up for a slugfest with Pacquiao. In a report, The Philippine Daily Inquirer said Garcia has largely confirmed that his next fight would be against the reigning WBA super welterweight champ.
If that fight will push ahead, there is little chance that Pacquiao's fight schedule will free up for Thurman this 2020. Speculations are rife Pacquiao is in the middle of negotiating a mega-fight either against Floyd Mayweather or MMA star Conor McGregor.
The earliest that Pacquiao can accommodate Thurman is anytime in 2021, and that is if the Filipino will still have the appetite for a fight as he is rumored ready to walk away once the Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch becomes a reality.
