Keith Thurman rumored to sign with Eddie Hearn

Keith Thurman has been missing from action in a boxing ring since March 2017. If rumors are correct, we may not see Thurman fight (meaningfully) until at least 2019.

The oft-injured fighter has been spotted in Japan training. Coincidentally, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was just in town to promote his fighter, Jamie Mcdonnell.

Hearn has made his plans more than known since announcing his Billion dollar deal with DAZN/perform platform to stream boxing, that he’s looking to make his impression felt in America. His efforts thus far, have been lackluster as far as landing big named American boxers. Truth be told, even Keith “One Time” Thurman doesn’t quite move the meter all too much.

Thurman has not fought in a year, thus, a 3-fight deal with Thurman would result in a 2 fight deal after a tune-up to knock the ring rust off. With the rise of more active (and entertaining) fighters like Terrence “Bud” Crawford and Errol Spence, the shine of Thurman’s star can be said to be fading.  It may be hard to justify a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal for a fighter who has not fought more than twice in a calendar year in the last 3 years.

On the flip side, a potential deal with Thurman and Eddie Hearn spells no network politics between Showtime/HBO/ESPN for Thurman.

This is open season for fighters in the U.S.. If you’re out there, if you don’t have a promotional contract, if you’re a world-class fighter, we want you. If you’re a world champion no more fighting once a year. No more waiting on your date. We’ve got the dates, the money and the platform to give you regular championship contests.-Eddie Hearn

So any shakeups in the 147 welterweight or even 154 super welterweight division, means Thurman can move how he wants in seeking title fights and big name bouts without network limitations, as Eddie Hearn is not tied to any in particular besides his own DAZN platform.