Thurman will be in defense of his welterweight title against Josesito Lopez.
Keith “One Time” Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) has been suffering from injuries to the point that his nickname should probably be changed to “One Time (Every Two Years).” We last saw him in action in March of 2017 on CBS controlling Danny Garcia early before letting his foot off the gas late and winning on narrow scorecards. That was a big win, arguably the biggest of Thurman’s career, and it should have elevated his profile to that of a larger star in the sport.
That didn’t happen. Instead, Thurman has been on the shelf ever since. First, it was an elbow injury that required surgery that put Keith away. Then, once recovered and sparring for a fight scheduled for last May, the welterweight titleholder suffered a “deep bruise” on his left hand and was forced out of that fight too. Eventually the WBC had enough of his inability to defend his belts and stripped him of his title while guaranteeing him a shot at it on his return, but the WBA has let him hold their belt through it all.
Shawn Porter now holds the WBC belt and a potential rematch of their excellent 2016 fight would certainly be an appetizing idea, but first Thurman needs a tune up or two before looking to jump back in the deep end. Enter veteran Josesito Lopez (36-7, 16 KOs). The always game Californian was briefly a top fighter after nearly upsetting Jessie Vargas and then dethroning Victor Ortiz in 2012, but that was almost seven years ago now and Lopez hasn’t exactly been competitive at the top level since then. He did upset then unbeaten PBC prospect Miguel Cruz in a surprisingly one sided performance back in April, however, and that was enough to make him seem credible against Thurman to book the likely easy comeback win for the A-side. FOX will broadcast as part of the broadcast network’s new 2019 deal with Premier Boxing Champions.
Emerging Polish heavyweight contender and fun action fighter Adam Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) will compete on the undercard against fringe contender Gerald Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) as well. I bet that is a fun one. Washington was thoroughly overwhelmed by Jarrell Miller’s 50 lb weight advantage last year, but he’s proven to be a competent third tier heavyweight with some skill for the weight class. He definitely provides an interesting test to a more crude brawler like Kownacki.
This is one of many largely uninspiring Premier Boxing Champions fights being announced today. More will follow over the next hour. The lighter touch in the main event is understandable with this one at least. Plus, we get a top fighter back as long as he can actually make it to the ring come fight night. I don’t like the slate overall, but this one isn’t a problem by itself.
