by Eric “Sugar Foot” Duran
Welcome to the weekly installment of Matchmaker’s Corner. In this edition I’ll delve into the possibility of a Marcos Maidana vs Keith Thurman bout
Marcos Maidana, 35-5, 31 KO’s. Maidana is the former WBA Jr. Welterweight and Welterweight champion. He holds victories over Adrien Broner, Erik Morales and Victor Ortiz. He went 0-2 against Floyd Mayweather. Lost a spirited decision against Amir Khan.
Keith “One Time” Thurman, 23-0, 21 KO’s. Thurman is the current WBA interim title holder. He holds victories over Carlos Quintana and Jesus Soto Karass.
On a rating scale of 1-10 regarding marketability, I rate Maidana-Thurman a a 7. With Maidana’s recent performances against Mayweather, his stock has risen to greater heights. His name and popularity will carry the promotion.
However, people will slowly began falling in love with Thurman during the promotion. He exudes passion and charisma.
In the Mayweather bouts, Maidana showed tenacity and grit. However, he also showed he’s flat footed and cannot fight on the move. He’s a bull when his opponents are cornered or on the ropes. Yet, he’s a sitting target in the center of the ring.
The biggest factor in this match-up will be, the fact that Maidana has been to the top of the mountain and didn’t fold. He lost, but he competed
Thurman has proven he can beat you with boxing skills or punching power. Only one opponent has seen the final bell in his past thirteen fights. However, the bout with Maidana will be his biggest bout to date. The magnitude and media attention this bout will receive will be on a level Thurman hasn’t experienced.
Can we expect a let down from Maidana? Going from a bout with Mayweather to Thurman is a huge drop off. But who else is out there for Maidana? I don’t see a rematch with Khan. Brock is recovering from injures. Porter? No way. Garcia, Broner, Matthysse? Doubt it. Maybe Bradley, possibly.
Thurman is clamoring for that big name, big fight scenario. He’s ready for his shot at the big boys and the stardom.
Betting odds will open with Maidana as a huge favorite. I believe odds will drop significantly when bettors start throwing down on Thurman.
Pause… Hold your breath… Thurman stops Maidana inside of 10 rounds. I know, I know, I’m tripping right. I believe this fight is actually the easiest fight to be made and will be made in the Matchmaker corner. So, I’ll either have my day in the sun or I’ll be eating crow. War Thurman!!!
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