Keith Thurman is more than happy to see one of the biggest matchups in boxing finally materialize—even if it does not necessarily further his own interests.

The former unified welterweight titlist from Clearwater, Florida, was hoping to fight unified WBA, WBC, IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. earlier this year but those plans went awry when Spence turned his attention to revisit talks with WBO titlist Terence Crawford. Spence and Crawford announced last month that they will be fighting each other for the undisputed welterweight championship on July 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Thurman admitted in a recent interview that it was “difficult” to accept being deprived (at least momentarily) of a title shot. But the veteran was also keen to note that he does not begrudge either Crawford or Spence, given they will be battling for arguably historic distinctions.

“They wanted to make the biggest fight possible for the sport of boxing,” Thurman told FightHubTV. “There was nothing on my end (to object to the fight). I’m a ‘yes man.’ I’m a two-time champion of the world. I’m looking for that title contention once again. When champions fight champions, contenders have to sit on the sidelines and that’s just the way it is right now. So it’s very difficult. There’s a lot of tremendous talent in the welterweight division.

“But you know boxing has been criticized for not making the big fights happen so it’s like the fighter in me knows what I want: the Spence fight. The political boxing supporter in me knows that this is one of the biggest matchups of the year. And that it had to be done. Of course, in the meantime, from last year when I competed, Thurman could have gotten in [the ring], with Crawford. Thurman could’ve gotten in with Spence.”

Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) stated that he hopes to enter the ring later this summer. His last fight was more than 15 months ago, a decision over Mario Barrios.

“Every day of my life, it can be one year, two year, every day of my life is one day closer to my next match,” Thurman said. “I just have that positive outlook with boxing. Maybe I’m more patient than I need to be, know what I’m sayin’? I’ve got that zen nature. I’ve got faith that everything’s gonna be alright, everything’s gonna work itself out. Hakuna matada, baby.”

Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.