Keith Thurman Discusses Ortiz, Crawford and Pacquiao

October 29, 2026 17 Views by

Former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman is embracing the role of underdog as he prepares for one of the biggest challenges of his late-career resurgence. Scheduled to face unbeaten contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. on December 5 in Glendale, Arizona, Thurman is making it clear that he has no intention of serving as a stepping stone for the younger star. The bout is set to take place at middleweight as part of the David Benavidez vs. Michal Cieslak card. [athlonsports.com], [mmamania.com]

In a recent interview, Thurman discussed his upcoming showdown with Ortiz, reflected on his career-defining battles, shared his thoughts on Terence Crawford’s future, and revealed how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities away from boxing.

Keith Thurman Looking to Shock Vergil Ortiz Jr.

At 37 years old, Thurman understands the skepticism surrounding his chances against Ortiz. The undefeated Texan enters the matchup with a perfect 24-0 record and 22 knockouts, having most recently stopped Erickson Lubin in two rounds. [athlonsports.com], [boxing247.com]

Thurman, meanwhile, is coming off a difficult outing against WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. In March, Fundora broke down the former champion and secured a sixth-round stoppage victory. [boxingscene.com]

Despite the setback, Thurman remains motivated. He acknowledged that previous defeats against southpaw opponents, including Manny Pacquiao and Fundora, did not unfold the way he envisioned. Rather than dwell on those losses, however, he sees the Ortiz fight as an opportunity to prove that he still belongs among boxing’s elite.

The veteran repeatedly emphasized his desire to “upset the apple cart” by derailing Ortiz’s momentum and reminding fans that experience can still make the difference when the lights shine brightest.

Learning From Defeat, Not Being Defined by It

Thurman’s professional resume has long featured victories over some of the welterweight division’s biggest names, including Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia during his championship reign. [boxing247.com]

While losses to Pacquiao and Fundora remain significant chapters of his career, Thurman appears determined not to let those setbacks define his legacy. He spoke candidly about the lessons learned from facing elite southpaws and suggested that those experiences have sharpened his focus heading into another contest.

Against Ortiz, Thurman expects a different challenge altogether. The younger fighter’s pressure, power, and undefeated pedigree present dangers of their own, but the former champion believes his ring IQ and veteran savvy can still be major factors.

Thurman Doesn’t Believe Terence Crawford Is Finished

One of the more interesting segments of the conversation centered around Terence Crawford, who continues to be linked to retirement discussions despite remaining one of boxing’s most accomplished champions.

Thurman revealed that he and other fighters have jokingly questioned Crawford about retirement, noting that the Omaha native simply does not carry himself like someone ready to walk away from the sport.

The respect between the two fighters runs deep. Thurman reflected on their shared history dating back to their amateur days and expressed appreciation for everything Crawford has accomplished professionally. Rather than focusing on hypothetical matchups, Thurman praised Crawford’s longevity and influence on the modern boxing landscape.

Family Life Takes Center Stage

Away from training camps and fight promotions, Thurman says his life has changed dramatically in recent years.

Known throughout much of his career as one of boxing’s most outspoken personalities, Thurman now spends much of his focus on family. He described himself as a dedicated father who values balancing championship ambitions with quality time spent raising his children.

That evolution has also opened his mind to opportunities outside the ring. Thurman mentioned that content creation and streaming could become future pursuits as he explores life beyond prizefighting. While boxing remains his immediate focus, he appears increasingly interested in building a platform that extends beyond competition.

Could a Manny Pacquiao Rematch Finally Happen?

The interview also briefly touched on the possibility of a long-awaited rematch with Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao handed Thurman the first loss of his professional career in July 2019, earning a split-decision victory and capturing the WBA welterweight title. The fight remains one of the defining moments of Thurman’s career. Although several years have passed since that matchup, Thurman made it clear that he would eagerly welcome another opportunity if the chance presents itself next year.

His response carried the trademark humor fans have come to expect from “One Time,” but the message was unmistakable: if Pacquiao calls, Thurman will be ready.

Final Thoughts

Keith Thurman’s career has never followed a straight path. Injuries, inactivity, championship highs, and high-profile defeats have all shaped the former unified welterweight champion’s journey. Now, with a dangerous assignment against Vergil Ortiz Jr. looming, Thurman finds himself in a familiar position: facing doubters.

Whether he can turn back the clock against one of boxing’s most feared undefeated contenders remains to be seen. What is clear is that Thurman still possesses the confidence, personality, and competitive fire that made him one of the sport’s biggest stars. On December 5, he intends to prove that his story is far from over. [athlonsports.com]

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Keith Thurman, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Boxing News, Terence Crawford, Manny Pacquiao, Sebastian Fundora, Welterweight Boxing, Middleweight Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, DAZN Boxing, David Benavidez, Boxing Interviews, Fight Preview, Professional Boxing, Combat Sports

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by Oscar Madison - Oct 29, 2026

by Oscar Madison - Oct 29, 2026