On March 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, a pivotal clash will take place between Keith Thurman and Tim Tszyu, broadcast live on Amazon Prime pay-per-view. This bout isn't just another entry in the boxing calendar; it's a potential gateway to a mega-fight with Terence Crawford, one of boxing's elite talents. Calvin Ford, the renowned trainer behind Gervonta Davis, alongside co-trainer Kenny Ellis, sees this fight as a golden opportunity for the victor to step into the ring with Crawford, the two-division undisputed champion known for his dominance, including a notable technical stoppage of Errol Spence Jr. last July.
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The Thurman-Tszyu fight, set at a catchweight of 155 lbs, positions itself uniquely, stepping just above Crawford’s reign in the welterweight division. This strategic placement hints at the possibility of a crossover challenge for Crawford, should he decide to meet the winner. Ford, emphasizing the significance of this matchup, remarked on the motivational high stakes involved, suggesting a victory here could indeed pave the way to a showdown with Crawford.
Keith Thurman enters the ring after a period marked by sporadic appearances, fighting only three times in the past seven years. Despite this inactivity, a win against Tszyu could rejuvenate his career, offering him a chance to fight significant boxers like Crawford. Ford, optimistic about Thurman's prospects, hinted at the multitude of options that could unfold with a victory.
Conversely, Tim Tszyu represents the ambition of the newer generation, with a packed schedule of three fights in 2023 and a trajectory that's seen him ramp up his level of competition. His victories over Tony Harrison and Brian Mendoza have positioned him as a formidable contender eager to solidify his standing among the sport’s luminaries.
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