Keith Thurman Clarifies Tszyu Fight: 'Boots Was Not On The Contract
In the midst of speculation and fan queries, Keith 'One Time' Thurman has finally broken his silence on his decision to face Tim Tszyu in a non-title bout at 154 pounds, sidelining a potential challenge against Jaron 'Boots' Ennis for the IBF welterweight title at 147.
Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) asserted that the fight with Ennis wasn't on the table as no contract featuring the unbeaten welterweight champion's name was presented to him. Contrary to popular belief, Thurman emphasized that the offer he received was for a non-title clash at 154 against Tszyu, not Ennis.
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Boots Was Not On The Contract[/caption]
Addressing the skepticism surrounding his choice, Thurman stated, "Boots was not on the contract for the first quarter of this year. The contracts I’ve been seeing, Boots is not on the table." This revelation comes at a time when fans questioned Thurman's motivation for not pursuing a high-profile matchup against Ennis, a rising star in the welterweight division.
Thurman's decision to move up in weight has sparked discussion among boxing enthusiasts, with some suggesting it may serve as a strategic move to provide an excuse in case of a loss. Thurman himself acknowledged the shift in weight but maintained his focus on the opportunity at hand. "I’m bulking up. I’m bringing the speed from 147, bring the power, and hopefully add a little bit more strength," he stated.
While critics argue that a bout against Ennis would have garnered more interest, Thurman remains resolute in his approach. "I don’t care what people say. People want to see this and that. That’s nice. I take what’s put out in front of me," Thurman affirmed.
As the countdown to Thurman vs. Tszyu begins, fans await to see whether the move to 154 will prove advantageous for Thurman or if Ennis missed out on a potential showdown.
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