Thurman on Garcia Rematch: ‘I think I Can Out-Box Him’

The path of a boxer is never fully clear. With title opportunities, rematches and new matchups, some things take time. Rematches can either happen right away or be paused for the right opportunity. It appears that is the case when it comes to Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman.

Back in 2017, Thurman beat Garcia for the latter’s WBC Welterweight Title. Inside the Barclays Center, Thurman won via split decision (116-112, 115-113, 113-115), a move that Garcia protests to this day. He believes he beat Thurman, and the loss is only one on paper. Thurman hasn’t rejected the idea for a rematch, finding it an entertaining option.

“I heard Danny and his father are always interested in the rematch,” Thurman stated to Boxing Scene. “To them, it’s a grudge match. They believe that they can get me, and they would like to redeem themselves. So, that’s always a fun fight, going back in the ring with Danny Garcia.”

During the bout, CompuBox reported that Thurman landed 147-of-570 punches thrown, while Garcia landed 130-of-434. The entire card drew a peak of 5.1 million, with an average viewership of 3.74 million. 16,533 fans went wild for it, and if it happened again there is a possibility those numbers would increase.

Thurman believes a rematch would result in the same outcome. He also believes given enough rest, it wouldn’t be that hard to beat Garcia.

“I believe that I can do more damage to Danny Garcia,” Thurman went on to say. “I think I can out-box him nicely. And I just don’t think that he’s ever really changed. I don’t think he’s gonna utilize his jab any more than he has done in the past. I see him being a little predictable. He’s just gonna want what he’s gonna want, which is the big punch. I loved watching him miss all day the first time.”

Since that fight, Garcia rebounded against Brandon Rios and lost to Shawn Porter before winning two in a row. His most recent bout was a win over Ivan Redkach, who appeared to have bitten Garcia during the bout. “Swift” is hoping for bouts against Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr., but he would gladly take Thurman if both are available.

Thurman didn’t fight for about a year+ due to multiple injuries following the fight. He came back in January 2019 and beat Josesito Lopez. “One Time’s” last bout was a loss to Manny Pacquiao, one that many were surprised he was able to make competitive. He has recently been out of action with another injury.

Unknown who he will fight next, Thurman wouldn’t mind a Garcia rematch. That is, of course, if the right numbers are in play.

“I think it’s a great next fight. I’d be really cool with that. Of course, we’d have to see what else is on the table. I think it’d be worthy of a title eliminator, thus the winner gets a champion next. With all that said, I’m gung-ho about signing on the dotted line. Believe that.”