Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman will return to the ring in two months to face junior middleweight Brock Jarvis on March 12 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, Australia.
Three years later…
The 36-year-old former WBA and WBC light heavyweight champion Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) is coming off a three-year hiatus when he faces the 27-year-old Jarvis (22-1, 20 KOs).
That’s assuming Thurman gets out of training camp without suffering a fight-cancelling injury, as happened last year when he was set to challenge Tim Tszyu for his WBO 154-lb title on March 30. Thurman pulled out of the fight with a bicep injury and was replaced by Sebastian Fundora, who upset Tszyu.
In the past, it would have been said that Thurman was too old and inactive to have a chance at a big payday. Now, with the return of old-timers like Mike Tyson, Thurman has a chance. He might not win anyone over with talent, but he can get some nice paychecks unless he keeps getting hurt. He is weak, suffering from repeated injuries since 2017.
Thurman Eying Tszyu
The plan is for the winner of the Thurman-Jarvis fight to face Tim Tszy. However, you can’t rule out that Turki Al-Sheikh will be interested in Thurman if he beats Jarvis. That’s the likely reason why Thurman is coming back after three years out of the ring because he hasn’t done anything in his career since losing to Manny Pacquiao
“Jarvis to lead shocker in Sydney on March 12 against Thurman,” per Fox Sports Australia on Brock Jarvis’ fight against former WBA and WBC light heavyweight champion Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman next. “A press conference will be held on Wednesday to reveal details of the event which will – be held at the famous Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.”
Thurman was briefly considered one of the best welterweights in the sport. However, his career slowed down after his grueling fight against Danny Garcia in March 2017. In the last eight years, Thurman has fought just three times against Josesito Lopez, Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios. Injuries have been a problem for Thurman, but he also lacks the ambition to stay busy like normal fighters who don’t have a big nest egg to live off of.
Jarvis’ return chance
Australian Brock Jarvis fought mostly unknown opponents during his 10-year career. He advanced once and was knocked out by Liam Paro in the first round on October 15, 2022. Since that fight, Jarvis has returned to fighting lower-level opponents, defeating Adrian Rodriguez and Marlon Paniamogan.
If Thurman has anything left after sitting on his back for three years, he should beat Jarvis. However, it is questionable whether he will and can even get out of training camp without retiring with an illness.
