Keith Thurman Plans To Remind Everyone He’s ‘Not A Gatekeeper’

Keith Thurman wants everyone to know he is not a gatekeeper, and instead a legit title contender.

Thurman is the former unified welterweight champ, ended his layoff with a decision win over Mario Barrios on February 5 in Las Vegas. The win put him back in the title contention and for Thurman that is the goal as he doesn’t want the gatekeeper label.

“These young guys need to know, Keith Thurman is not a gatekeeper,” the former unified welterweight champ told BoxingScene.com. “If they try to find out, they’ll learn that the gate is welded shut.”

Although Keith Thurman won back in February, he is still waiting for his next fight which is disappointing news for him. The goal is to return in October, get a win and then look to reclaim his belt back.

“I’m already stuck like Chuck,” noted Thurman. “We’re already into the summer and it’s not like they’re lining up to fight me anyway. So, we have to look at a date that’s a little further out right now. If six weeks ago we had a legitimate rumor of an earlier date, I’d have been able to grind. I was willing to take a lesser fight just to get back in the ring. But as long as I fight two times this year, that will have to be good enough. Get back in October, then hopefully pick up some momentum and have a 12-month span where we’re fighting three times. It will be easier when I get back my title.”

Thurman (30-1 and one No Contest), as mentioned, is coming off the win over Barrios, and before that, he suffered a split decision loss to Manny Pacquiao. In his career, he holds notable wins over Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Diego Chaves, and Josesito Lopez among others.

Do you think Keith Thurman will become champ again?