Keith Thurman was offered the chance to fight Jaron Ennis.
That is according to the latter’s father Derek Ennis. Thurman has not had a fight since he beat Mario Barrios in 2022 via a unanimous decision. Both injuries and inactivity have restricted his appearances, with only five fights since he was the unified welterweight champion in 2017. Although Thurman has indicated his intention to have two fights and an exhibition next year, a fight with Ennis was passed up on.
Meanwhile, Ennis became the IBF interim welterweight champion after stopping Roiman Villa in the tenth round. The win put him in line to face Terence Crawford, who recently became the undisputed welterweight champion following his victory over Errol Spence Jr. With that being said, Derek Ennis expanded on how Thurman was on their list of fighters, only for ‘One Time’ to pass up the chance.
“All he has to say is if he wants to fight us, and we can sign & seal the deal. It’s as simple as that. Yes, he [Stephen Espinoza] offered the fight with Keith. He told me out of his own mouth that he offered the fight. Next time you talk to him [Espinoza], you ask him, and he’ll tell you. We going to beat him [Thurman]. That’s how it’s going to turn out, and we’re also going to stop him,” Thurman
As of now, a fight between Ennis and Thurman may not make much sense. However, if Crawford were to vacate and move up to 154, then Ennis would become the full IBF champion since he is currently the mandatory. And given Thurman’s aspirations of winning another world title, at the age of 34, he does not have too much time left. But a fight with Boots at the right time could provide that chance.