He didn’t bother mincing words.
World welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman was quick to praise his upcoming opponent Danny Garcia when the two boxers were introduced at a pre-fight press conference at Barclays Center on Jan. 18. He was also quick to point out that, come fight night on March 4, Thurman wouldn’t be standing anymore — or conscious.
“I remember Danny from the amateurs. I applaud him for everything he’s done in this career,” Thurman said. “He signed the wrong contract though, because Keith Thurman’s got this. Danny Garcia, you’re getting knocked out.”
Thurman, of course, has plenty of reason to be confident. He’s a perfect 27–0 in the ring and boasts 22 career knockouts, fresh off a unanimous-decision victory over Shawn Porter on June 25.
Thurman has knocked out just two of his last five opponents — with a handful of foes even getting back up and going double-digit rounds after taking that initial hit — but the champ isn’t lacking for a plan ahead of his Barclays bout.
“[Garcia is] dangerous, but we believe I’m more dangerous,” Thurman said. “He hasn’t fought a true welterweight with punching power. I believe I’ll be the last man standing on March 4.”
Of course, Garcia has his own impressive resume. He’s notched a handful of welterweight bouts and fought twice in 2016, including a seventh-round knockout of Samuel Vargas in November.
“I’m going to take this one round at a time to get the victory,” Garcia said. “If the knockout comes, it comes. I’m not going out of my element. I’m going to do what I do best.”
Garcia (33–0, 19 knockouts) is aware he’s the underdog in this fight. It’s a role, he says, he’s not just used to, but one he relishes.
“This is nothing new to me,” Garcia said. “I just had to tell Keith to be careful what he wished for. He wanted this fight, but now that he’s got it, you have to deal with me.”
It’s another big-time boxing event at Barclays — following a jam-packed card on Jan. 14 — and a return to the national spotlight for the sport. The fight will air live on CBS as part of Showtime Boxing.
“In an era where some people think that [pay-per-view] is a good thing, it’s incredibly important that a fight of this magnitude is on broadcast television,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “These two champions have the opportunity to do their thing in front of a huge audience. It’s great for boxing.”
Thurman and Garcia both relished the spotlight during the pre-fight event, but the two both know they have plenty to live up to as soon as they step into the ring.
There’s a championship on the line — as well as undefeated records — and neither fighter is willing to go down without landing more than a few punches, or even a few more verbal jabs.
“This fight March 4 has two undefeated champions. Two of the best welterweights going toe-to-toe,” Thurman said. “Someone’s ‘0’ has to go. You don’t want to miss this fight.”
