I know the overwhelming majority will pick Thurman via KO here, but I'm gonna pick Khan to take Keith out earlier. Thurman is a boxer, and Khan eats those guys up. Every time he tries to add a second dimension and turns into a fighter he gets clipped. I think Thurman will look to bomb Khan out early, get clipped himself- like he did against Soto-Karass, and Khan, usually a fast starter will have the speed and skill to not let Keith off the hook. Khan haters will say Thurman will win a rematch like they do with Maidana for years to come.
Khan still has poor defense, I mean, a shot Collazo had him hurt! Thurman is much quicker, more accurate and dangerous than Khan's previous 3 opponents
A shot Soto-Karass had Thurman hurt. I still have question marks over Thurman's chin and his reactions to being hurt remained me a bit of when Khan is hurt (becomes stupid rather than weathering the storm).
Hans, you truly are a wonderful man. And the scenario you describe is not at all unrealistic. Thurman does have excellent power and skill, but I do feel that the American posters, although in the main good people, may be allowing their desperation (they really do not have many world champions at present, which is truly amazing) to exaggerate Thurman's skills and power. As of now, Keith is a relatively unknown quantity. He seems to be elite world class, but as of now we cannot be entirely sure. And being unable to stop Bundu or Guerrero does indicate that his power may not be as concussive as the Americans want it to be. And the fact that "One Time" is fighting Collazo is not the sign of supreme confidence, is it? Just going off topic for a minute, I wonder what Keith's legion of fans think of this match up? Since they slaughtered King Khan for fighting Luis a year ago? If Khan-Thurman boiled down to boxing skills, well King Khan has that covered, no doubt. Based off what I have seen, Thurman could not beat King Khan on points. Add to that the improvements in defence and boxing IQ (young, immature King Khan would have been drawn into an unnecessary battle with Devon, which would have lead to King Khan losing a few rounds) King Khan displayed in dominating Alexander and I predict a lopsided points win for King Khan.. But if Thurman has a brittle chin, then Kibg Khan could take him out... But that would be dangerous, so I would prefer it if King Khan simply utilitied his superior skills and won a dominant UD.
Bundu and Guerrero both have solid whiskers to give Keith a bit of credit. But I think it's wrong to write Khan off against everyone that can punch a bit. Maidana can punch and he didn't stop Khan, as can Judah. If Khan's smart he can outbox Thurman- of course there is a chance he'll get clipped but there is also a chance he won't.
Khan does not have the power to keep Keith back without getting brutally hit. Keith can walk through those patty pat hits and floor him. Game over.
Khunt doesn't want any of thurman. Thurman has snap in his punches to cause serious damage to khunts fragile head,
I agree, both Leonard and "The Ghost" do have excellent chins and Thurman dropped both... .. But some posters seem to think that Thurman possesses unworldly power, and were that the case he should have dispatched the 5ft 6" Bundu and former FW Champ Guerrero, especially when one considers how dominant Keith was in both fights. I just think that King Khan could outbox Thurman, but if Keith manages to draw King Khan into a battle, then Amir could easily come unstuck. But those who think this would be a doddle for Thurman are probably way off the mark.
Who the fck has khan knocked out for it to be considered underrated? The guy just shoe shines, most of the damage is due from the speed of his punches rather than the power behind his punch.