By Victor Salazar

Brooklyn, New York - Keith Thurman (26-0, 22 KO’s) stormed on the scene three years ago on HBO. On that night, he called out the likes of Miguel Cotto, Paulie Malignaggi, and even Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  Three years later, that outrageous call out is more of a reality as Thurman has become one of the better welterweights in the world. But much like every other Mayweather opponent, unless the pound for pound stalwart choose you - you’re not fighting him. But it doesn’t deter Thurman from continuously asking for it.

“Let’s keep talking about it to make sure it happens,” Thurman said. “I’ve come to conclusions with Mayweather and his team saying I’m not on their to do list. I come to acknowledge that Floyd Mayweather is in a position that he has the most power than any other fighter right now. Has he technically announced his opponent yet? The fight is only weeks away and that puts stress on whoever he’s fighting because they have to stay ready for an unannounced event. So he’s using his power.”

Politics also factor into Thurman not getting a shot at Mayweather, especially because Thurman was once in position to be Mayweather’s mandatory.

“They love the money and numbers they bring in, so they say 'yes sir, Floyd sir,' they accommodate Floyd,” explained Thurman.

"We knew they were accommodating Floyd as soon they (WBA) made him the super champion. Somebody told me I was the regular WBA champion? What’s a super champion? I had to Google this stuff. The super champion isn’t relegated to fighting any mandatories. I was the number 1 contender of the WBA. They anoint him the super so the media never had to say are you ever going to fight your mandatory for the WBA. I asked for my shot with the WBA and never got a response.

Thurman acknowledges that Mayweather is about money but he says himself that fans probably shouldn’t buy his next pay-per-view, which is taking place on September 12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Andre Berto is pegged as the likely opponent.

“He (Mayweather) wants to make history not in a way I want to make history. He wants to make history on numbers alone. Enjoy the money show, I wouldn’t pay for the next fight but that’s on you if you do.”