Keith Thurman sees more punching danger in Vergil Ortiz Jr. than Sebastian Fundora, but his reliance on loaded single shots could make that danger harder to avoid. Thurman said he believes an agreement is close for a fight on David Benavidez’s undercard, although he still hasn’t received a contract.
“On my end, it feels like a full agreement,” Thurman said to Fighthype. “I think the promoters are dancing around on some dates right now.”
The paperwork is one issue. What Thurman can offer once the bell rings is another.
Thurman has always been a potshot fighter, looking to land an explosive punch before moving away. Against Fundora, he was getting picked apart while winding up those individual shots. Fundora’s height made reaching him difficult, but Thurman’s preparation time also gave the younger fighter opportunities to score.
“When it comes to punching power, he’s more dangerous than Sebastian,” Thurman said of Ortiz. “I believe Vergil has more of the punching power that can put you down.”
Thurman also pointed out that Ortiz isn’t 6-foot-6. That makes him easier to reach, but it doesn’t solve the problem of getting beaten to the punch.
Ortiz’s pressure and body work could punish the pauses between Thurman’s attacks. If Thurman loads up while Ortiz moves into range, he risks taking several punches before delivering one. Even a landed hook must do enough to interrupt Ortiz’s advance. Otherwise, Thurman has to move again without buying himself much breathing room.
That is a tough way for an older fighter with years of interrupted activity to win rounds.
“Right now I don’t have any other offers,” Thurman said.
His willingness is understandable. He wants activity, and this is the opportunity available. For Ortiz, however, Thurman supplies a familiar name whose reputation was built at welterweight years ago.
I don’t see this as a strong test of Ortiz’s place among the best at 154. Beating Thurman would give him a marketable result, but exploiting an aging potshot fighter’s slow preparation would settle little about how Ortiz handles an opponent who can match his pace.
