“Say I’m the gatekeeper, but I’m the final boss,” Thurman said.
He believes beating him will be the greatest victory of Fundora’s life. He is not some relic; he is the proving ground.
This perspective colors every comment he makes. He shows respect for Fundora’s high volume style while remaining cocky about his own ring IQ. ‘One Time’ Thurman described the champion as “a man of few words, but a lot of punches,” but he claims he already sees the mistakes Fundora will make once the rhythm of the fight takes over. He even poked at the champion’s chin, noting that Fundora has been dropped before, and he’s more than happy to test it again.
The talk is loud, but the attitude is practical. Thurman knows he’s not in a tune up. Fundora is younger, massive and thrives on physical pressure at 154 pounds. Instead of brushing it off, Thurman focused on the repetitive work of camp. He noted that this preparation builds on his last one, specifically regarding the nightmare of Fundora’s reach.
“It was the first time I’d saved guys that long,” Thurman said of his previous training. Now, he’s just tapping into that muscle memory. He is not trying to reinvent himself. He’s just trying to be a sharper version of what he already is.
Thurman also reflected on his legacy. He calls himself a “stamped Hall of Famer” because of his streak at 147, but he’s clear that this March date is about staying relevant. He spoke of champions who fall and get back up, grouping himself with the few fighters from his era who are still swinging at the top level.
Thurman doesn’t rely on nostalgia. He does not claim that he still “owns” the division. He’s just the hurdle. He’s the guy who decides whether Fundora keeps moving up or crashes against a veteran who’s actually been to the top of the mountain.
That honesty makes the fight interesting. Thurman doesn’t expect to be seen as the favorite, and that makes the fight interesting. He just wants to be respected as the man in the road. If Fundora wins, he’s the real deal. It would be a huge upset. If he doesn’t, the 154-pound division has a serious problem on its hands.
The fight takes place March 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, live on PBC pay-per-view via Prime Video.
