Ask fans anywhere in the Tampa area their thoughts on the brightest newcomers in the sport, and the first fighter to spring to mind will be Keith Thurman (4-0, 4KO). The charismatic, hard-hitting welterweight was a gifted amateur, making it all the way to the 2008 Olympic Trials finals before falling just short of his dream to make the US Olympic Boxing squad.

But Thurman’s cloud claim with a silver lining. Electing to turn pro shortly after the trials, the Clearwater-based newcomer has literally been a knockout every time out, with all four of his pro fights to date ending in the first round. 

Thurman looks to make it five straight when he returns to the ring on May 9. He will meet the toughest test of his young career when he squares off against tough-as-nails journeyman Jessie Davis . The four-round junior middleweight scrap takes place at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa, FL .

Included among his dream team are trainer Ben Getty and Florida-based promoter Starfight Productions, all of whom have high expectations of the young protégé.

In efforts to allow the public become more familiar with who he is and what he represents, Thurman takes time from his busy schedule to share his thoughts on the transition from the amateur ranks to the pros, where he sees himself a year from now, and other subjects.

What about the pros has surprised you thus far?

The small gloves and you have more time to set up your punches. In the amateurs you have to punch, punch and punch.  

 

Do you believe that your style is better suited for the pro ranks?

 

I definitely have a pro style and that is the style my Coach taught me from day one. Everyone told me when I was in the amateurs that because of my style and power I would be a much better pro fighter. So far I've proven that.

 

To date, none of your opponents have made it out of the first round. To what do you attribute your tremendous punching power?

 

I have been on a strength program since I started boxing at age 7 and still have a rigorous strength program.  My Coach always tells me that my power is a gift from God and that is natural strength. When I correctly hit opponents or sparring partners, they are usually hurt or go down.  

 

Where do you see yourself by this time next year?

 

I still have a very long way to go. In June, I will move up to 6 rounds. I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully this time next year I will be in a position to box on TV and show the American public that I come to fight and don't hold and wait like some of the top fighters who box on ESPN, Showtime and HBO. Holding and waiting is not my style.

 

If you could fast forward right now and fight any of the top welterweights in world who would be your first choice?

 

Who would I like to fight right now out of all the top welterweights?  Andre Berto.

We are both from Florida and have a similar amateur background and both at the same weight class. Mike - that’s what we call Berto  - Mike and I have sparred many, many rounds, I know his style and he knows mine. Believe me that would be a FIGHT.

Can I answer whom I would like to fight after Mike? ANYBODY!

 

If you compared yourself to any fighter, who do you believe you most resemble?

 

My Coach tells me that I am a combination of Duran and Cotto. All I can say is that I am relentless and try my best to get you out of there –THAT is Keith Thurman.

 

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

My Coach has been in my life since age 7. My Coach and my Dad have taught me about life - the good things and the bad things. Coach has taught me everything I know about the sport of boxing. When my Coach and my Dad speak – I definitely listen. I thank you and my promoters, Starfight, for granting me the time to express myself.