By Elisinio Castillo

WBA welterweight champion Keith 'One Time' Thurman (26-0, 22KOs) is ready for a tentative fight with former IBF champion Shawn 'Showtime' Porter (26-1-1, 16KOs).

BoxingScene.com reported on Friday that Thurman-Porter was being targeted for March 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight is looking like a primetime headliner for CBS.

Thurman has a lot of respect for Porter. The two fighters have known each other since the amateurs.

"[Porter is a] good fighter, strong and with many skills. Like myself, he had a great amateur career," said Thurman to Nube Urgiles

The two fighters are both under the Premier Boxing Champions banner and advised by manager Al Haymon. Most would expect the fight to be an easy match to make. The discussions have dragged on for months. The fight was first being mentioned for December, then January, then late February and now the first week of March is the latest date being eyed.

Thurman says he is not ducking the fight and prepared to face Porter at any time. Porter and his father/trainer Kenny Porter have been waiting to receive some type of confirmation regarding a date, location and whether or not Thurman has signed an actual contract. Fans are hoping the match gets finalized sooner than later.

"With my offense and my defense, we are 100% ready to fight Shawn Porter," Thurman said.