By Ryan Burton
Even though Keith Thurman only made one ring appearance this year - he really made it count in one of the highest rated fights of the year. The June 25th unanimous decision victory over Shawn Porter on CBS is considered one of the best fights of the year.
While revealing that it will likely be his only 2016 ring appearance - Thurman said that he plans on an even bigger 2017 in terms of both the quantity and quality of his fights.
"I am feeling great. Let's be real. You know where I come from? Remember when I wanted a fight and could never get a fight? Them days are over right? Hard work and dedication paid off. Staying true to the game and staying true to the rankings. Al Haymon is a great man in the sport doing so much with PBC and so much for the sport of boxing.
"It just feels good man. I really did grind hard. It's been 20 years of my life grinding to be where I am today. 27 years old, 27-0, 22 knockouts. I am about to 28 in November and going into next year, undefeated champion of the world. I told you guys I wanted to be champion and I want to be more than just a champion. I am really happy to be where I am today and I look forward to being more next year. If you are wondering what I am talking about that does mean I am talking about getting more than one belt baby," said Thurman.
One name that has been mentioned is unbeaten WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia (32-0, 18KOs), who also held the same title at super lightweight.
While all signs points to Garcia facing John Molina in the fall, Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza previously to BoxingScene.com that a first quarter unification clash between Thurman (27-0, 22KOs) and Garcia is at the top of his wish list for 2017.
It also would rank high on Thurman's wish list as well and he believes that any real champion would welcome a unification bout.
"That's definitely a unification bout and I am pro unification bouts. For those who know what kind of fighter I am - I have had my eyes set on Danny the second he wanted to make a fight at a catchweight and act like he doesn't want to participate at 140. If you are not participating at 140 then you are participating at 147. If you are participating at 147 and you aren't talking about Keith Thurman - you ain't no champion," Thurman told BoxingScene.
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