Thurman coping fine with demands of increasing stardom

by David P. Greisman

Like most everyone who laces up gloves and learns to box, Keith Thurman dreamt of being a world champion. His accomplishments as a pro mean more people know him now, though they also mean he has more obligations.

Those obligations will only remain so long as he continues to succeed, and they may continue to grow. He was in the main event of the first “Premier Boxing Champions” card on NBC when he topped Robert Guerrero in May, and he will headline the first PBC show on ESPN against Luis Collazo on July 11.

“I enjoy some of the spotlight but there are moments where it can be a little overwhelming,” Thurman said. “This camp in general, I’ve had more appearances that I needed to make, more interviews, less time to myself, less time to stick to my regimen. I’ve had to make adjustments and I’m just going to have to get used to making these adjustments, especially when you’re on this stage and you’re making these kind of paychecks.

“I used to think it was all boxing. But now I’m understanding the business. That’s all I’m really trying to wrap my mind around. I’m 26 years old, a young guy. And we’re learning constantly in the sport of boxing, in the ring and outside of the ring. I try to stay levelheaded. I try to stay humble. I’m doing the best I can. I’m looking forward to the career that’s ahead of me.”

Thurman first appeared on HBO back in 2012 and has been moving up since then from prospect to contender. He now holds the World Boxing Association’s “regular” title at 147 (the WBA has Floyd Mayweather Jr. as its “super” titleholder). The spotlight and its demands aren’t new to him.

“I’ve been on HBO, Showtime, NBC, now ESPN. Each corporation has their own camera crew. They have their own little forte on how they like to promote their event. And it’s all a little different,” Thurman said. “I’m building my name. I’m becoming more popular. They want to see more of me. They want to hear more of me. They want to hear feedback.

“It’s really just a journey, you know. Every fighter bears weight on their shoulders, but it’s not weight we can’t handle. If it was weight we can’t handle, we wouldn’t be in the position that we’re in,” he said. “For the most part it’s not too much, but I do recognize the shift in what’s happening.”

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