Keith Thurman knows that for him to get back into the Manny Pacquiao circle of opponents, he needs to prove he is worth it. Terence Crawford is one of the top names on the Pac-Man's list so what better way for "One Time" to prove he deserves another shot but bring down the future boxing Hall of Famer's top target?
However, that path may have been rerouted for now. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum admitted to Boxingscene that the camp of Thurman did reach out to him but the result was far from appealing. Arum says that Thurman representatives were asking too much for a fight with Crawford. It appears a clash between the two boxers is far from happening for now.
“Thurman’s people got in touch with me, but they’re out to lunch,” Arum said. “They have such crazy expectations that just don’t exist anymore. Their money demands are crazy. They said they were free agents, which I’m sure they are. But again, who’s gonna pay what they’re looking for?”
A clash between Crawford and Thurman made sense. Both are planning to fight later this year with Crawford fighting first. It would be a WBO Welterweight title match though "Bud" has no opponent yet. Had they come to terms, Thurman would have likely gotten that shot.
For his part, Thurman plans to fight in December. Like Crawford, he too has no named opponent yet. Tying up the two plans, it would have been a blockbuster clash though the fight revenue was unlikely to be appealing.
Arum said that plans were to stage a fight in a bubble-like environment, probably similar to what the NBA did. There would be no fans in attendance, something that easily hints at low revenue returns. Though it is likely to be televised, ticket sales make up a big chunk of what fighters would be getting.
With Thurman out, Arum mentioned possibly targeting Kell Brook instead. Talks are underway but nothing has been set. The fight could be held in the United States or the United Kingdom.
As for Pacquiao, little is known on what the boxer-senator plans to do. There has been no mention of an upcoming fight with the Filipino boxing icon likely busy attending to his duties as senator in the Philippines. Mikey Garcia was mentioned as a possible next opponent but no target date has been set. Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains in the mix but with revenues unlikely to be big, that too seems far from happening.
