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With Keith Thurman set to return against an opponent to be named on May 19, the WBA and WBC welterweight titleholder is officially ready to return from the injured reserve, and he’s ready to get back at it.
“2017 was a great year. Unifying the WBA and the WBC titles was a dream come true. Since then, we had the elbow surgery but 2018 is a get-back year,” Thurman said. “I’m truly looking forward to being back in the ring May 19. After that, I’m going to bring a more exciting fight later on this year.
“There are a lot of contenders and champions gunning for my number one spot but I’m going to have to let them know that I’ll be right here at the top.”
That “more exciting fight” could be Errol Spence Jr, who has relentlessly called out Thurman recently, and returns himself on June 16 in Dallas, meaning the two should line up nicely to meet late in 2018.
In his post-fight press conference last weekend, Spence said he understands Thurman needing a tune-up.
“I give him a pass. I’ve been on record saying I’ll give him a tune-up fight. He’s been off for a while, he’s just come off an injury. Have a tune-up fight. But after that, it should be me in 2018,” Spence said.