Trainer Bill Haney has pinpointed former WBA & WBC welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman as a potential opponent for Devin Haney. This matchup is contingent on Haney’s success in his upcoming bout against WBC 140-lb champion Regis Prograis on December 9th. The plan, as articulated by Bill Haney, is to possibly move Devin into the welterweight division, starting with a fight against the 35-year-old Thurman, a scenario that would mark Haney’s first foray at 147 pounds.
Keith Thurman, once a dominant figure in the welterweight division, has seen his career trajectory altered by inactivity. Over the past six years, Thurman has fought only three times, a stark contrast to his earlier career. This decline in activity has led to a waning interest among boxing fans, particularly the younger generation who are less familiar with his legacy. Despite this, Thurman’s name still carries weight in boxing circles, largely due to his high-profile bout against Manny Pacquiao and his previous championship status.
Bill Haney has extended an invitation to Thurman to attend Devin Haney’s December 9th fight, setting the stage for a potential early promotion of their bout, should Thurman accept and Haney triumph over Prograis. This fight is viewed more as a lucrative opportunity for Haney rather than a competitive challenge, given Thurman’s current standing in the division. Despite Thurman’s inactivity and age, his name recognition and past achievements still make him an attractive opponent from a financial perspective.
Interestingly, Bill Haney has overlooked rising talents like Jaron “Boots” Ennis as potential adversaries for Devin at 147 lbs. This decision could be strategic, considering Thurman’s recognition and the type of fight he might bring to the table. Haney’s camp seems to be looking for a high-profile, yet potentially less risky, introduction to the welterweight division. This matchup, if materialized, would offer Thurman a chance to reinvigorate his career and possibly set up more significant fights in the future.
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