Keith Thurman: Boxing’s Next Big Thing?

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Keith “One Time” Thurman knows that the throne is there for the taking. Unfortunately, the likelihood that he’ll get the opportunity to physically usurp the king is remote.

Nevertheless, Thurman has his sights set on becoming boxing’s next big star as Floyd Mayweather appears to be committed to calling it a career after September.

And, with the motto “KOs for life,” what’s not to like about Thurman?

The Floridian finds himself in a peculiar place as he prepares to face rough and rugged veteran Luis Collazo on July 11 in his backyard of Tampa, part of Premier Boxing Champions’ ESPN debut. Thurman is facing a guy without a great deal of name recognition, but one who is dangerous enough to make him look bad.

The expectation for the casual boxing fan is that Thurman will collect his 22nd knockout against Collazo and maintain his KO ratio, which stands as the highest in the welterweight division. Anything less will surely be scrutinized, as his detractors will flock down and poke holes in the theory that Thurman is boxing’s next big thing.

Related » Preview: PBC on ESPN ‘Thurman vs. Collazo’

It’s an unfair way to look at Thurman’s career, considering that Collazo has never been knocked out as a professional. Despite his 36-6 record, Collazo could have very easily beaten the likes of Andre Berto and Ricky Hatton, as both of those losses came with controversy. Simply put, Collazo is no walk in the park.

Could this be a Thurman audition for a September showdown with Floyd Mayweather? All signs point to no. Knowing where Mayweather is at in his career, it makes very little sense for him to face an up-and-coming stud like Thurman. But, with boxing’s pound-for-pound king scouring boxing’s landscape in search of his next opponent, there is a glimmer of hope that Thurman can be impressive enough -- but not too impressive -- to cause Mayweather to hand-select him for September 12.

Thurman is a draw, but not a big enough draw to force Mayweather’s hand to fight him -- not yet, at least. With a 25-0 record and an exciting style that reels in casual fight fans, Thurman is primed for the spotlight. But his resume doesn’t scream out at you. Names such as Carlos Quintana, Jesus Soto Karass, Julio Diaz and Robert Guerrero line his portfolio, but he has yet to face a top-10 welterweight. Collazo isn’t quite the guy to thrust you into the spotlight, and that is why Mayweather has been adamant that Thurman face rising star Errol Spence Jr. on his September undercard.

Is it a slap in the face? Not entirely. Thurman could certainly use the exposure. However, he’s more accomplished than Spence, and one gets the feeling that Mayweather would prefer to sic his young pup on “One Time” rather than risk his own hide. It makes a lot of sense, considering that Mayweather is on his way out, having already cashed in by handily beating Manny Pacquiao in what was the biggest money fight of all-time. Why risk a pristine career against a hungry tyrant like Thurman? Sure, there’s always the possibility that Mayweather’s boxing pedigree overwhelms the 26-year-old, but why risk getting slammed in the face with Thurman’s debilitating power?

Thurman may as well get comfortable with the idea that he won’t be able to take Mayweather’s throne by force. Of course, as the saying goes, “To be the man, you have to beat the man.” But there are situations where two ships will pass in the night, one parting the conquered land and leaving it open for another ruler to acquire. Whether that ruler will be Thurman is still left up to him to figure out, as there are a bevy of 147-pounders with their canons loaded and waiting for the opportunity.

The likes of Kell Brook, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia will have a say in whether Thurman can claim the throne in the near future, and that’s just the welterweights. The pound-for-pound throne has an even longer line of fighters -- including Andre Ward, Gennady Golovkin, Roman Martinez and Sergey Kovalev -- ready and willing to place the crown on their head.

But, before any of that can be discussed, Thurman must prove that his nickname of “One Time” rings true against Collazo. If he falters, Thurman will certainly lose ground on any claim to the throne.

Andreas Hale is a content producer for Jay Z's LifeandTimes.com and Editor-In-Chief of PremierWuzHere.com, as well as a frequent Sherdog.com columnist. Check out his archive here.