Boxing fans are always looking to find the next star of the sport and as we all know boxing fans love fighters who score knockouts, who hit hard and who don’t look to go the distance every time they are in the ring. So with this in mind it’s probably time that boxing fans became more aware of the ultra exciting American youngster Keith Thurman (17-0-0-1, 16) who has already left a trail of destruction in his wake.
Thurman made his professional debut way back in November 2007 by stopping Kensky Rodney in just 123 seconds with a vicious body shot. Over the following 12 months Thurman recorded 7 more wins, all of those by T/KO inside the opening round as he went on a real tear through the lower class opponents that simply couldn’t stand his power. Included in those wins was a stoppage over the previously undefeated Omar Bell.
The opening round KO streak of Thurman’s was ended in April 2009 when he faced Francisco Garcia and the men clashed heads in the opening round resulting in a No Contest. It was only 2 months later that Thurman would return to the ring and return to winning ways as he stopped the experienced Marteze Logan in 3 rounds, Thurman’s longest bout to date.
Thurman got his first major exposure by appearing on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights as he defeated Travis Hartman in 2 rounds to move his record to 10-0-0-1 (10). Against Hartman Thurman looked every bit a star in the making twice dropping Hartman in the opening round before the towel came in early the following round.
The KO streak of Thurman came to an end against the teak tough Brazilian Edvan Dos Santos Barros who managed to see out 8 rounds against Thurman and heard the final bell. Despite seeing out the schedule Barros was widely beaten with Thurman taking a very clear decision to record his first decision (and at time of writing, only) decision win.
Following the first decision win of his career Thurman again went on a tear and stopped his following 4 opponents, including the then unbeaten Stalinn Lopez and the fringe contender Favio Medina. Although Thurman was dropped himself by Quandray Robertson he managed to get back to his feet, showed heart and beat the ever living snot out of Robertson, scoring 3 knock downs himself.
It seemed as if 2011 was going to be Thurman’s break out year but sadly the youngster had to spend the year out of the ring due to a combination of hand issues and bout cancellations that effectively ended the momentum he had been gaining. Thankfully Thurman has returned to the ring in 2012 and already scored 2 impressive victories firstly blowing out the experienced Christopher Fernandez inside a round and more recently stopping the previously unbeaten Brandon Hoskins in 3.
This coming weekend Thurman will be facing the very solid test of Orlando Lora (29-2-1, 19) who is, on paper at least, the toughest test of Thurman’s career. An impressive victory over Lora will likely see Thurman taking a big step towards a world title fight something that will likely be in the pipe line for Thurman who could easily become one of the most exciting American fighters if moved correctly.
Scott is a staff writer at www.boxingprospects.info a site that solely looks at boxing prospects and attempts to give extra exposure to fighters who are currently coming through the ranks.
