This statement goes against the way players usually speak at this point in their careers. Thurman (30-1, 22 KO) has had long breaks, injuries and only one fight since 2019. A safer option would be to manage your risks, choose your spots carefully, and stretch for as long as you have time left. It describes the opposite.

Thurman, 37, chooses to take a tough fight against a younger, busy opponent in Fundora, and he does so without the usual language of rebuilding or returning to form. The message is elementary. He’s not trying to keep the record or protect his position.

He linked this attitude to how he always viewed himself in the ring. Thurman recalled an early fight in which he went down in the opening seconds, got back up and stopped his opponent within three rounds. This, in his opinion, set the tone for everything that followed.

“If it’s not over, it’s not over,” Thurman said.

The same idea is present in this fight. He treats this as a real test and does not make it basic for himself to return to the fight. That doesn’t guarantee anything against a fighter like Fundora, who brings size, activity and a different set of issues than Thurman has struggled with in recent years. This shows Thurman entering the fray.

Even at this stage he is risking all over again what he has built. This approach makes the fight easier to understand. Thurman will return to find out if he still belongs at this level, almost a decade after he was last there, fighting regularly and taking risks.

Floyd Mayweather’s return to fight Manny Pacquiao at the age of 49 is already considered a turning point in the streaming era, but its outcome will shape the direction of boxing’s biggest events.

If the rematch lives up to its promise, Mayweather will once again hold the keys to boxing’s biggest events, with multiple directions available depending on whether the focus is on legacy, business or unfinished business.

WBN looks at what might be in store for Mayweather if his return to pro is successful on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao trilogy

The most obvious option is also the simplest. If the sequel delivers the desired results, it will be arduous to avoid a third fight.

The original 2015 fight broke records but left many wanting, so a stronger second leg – supported by a global audience – would make the trilogy a logical sequel and the easiest fight to make.

Rematch with Canelo Alvarez

The second fight with Canelo Alvarez remains one of boxing’s lingering “what if” scenarios.

Canelo’s career may be entering its final stages, but the desire for revenge has never gone away.

The obstacle is finding a workable weight agreement given both fighters’ physical evolution.

If Mayweather looks good against Pacquiao, there’s a possibility it could be one of the biggest events available in the sport.

Terence Crawford Challenge

Terence Crawford represents the closest state-of-the-art analogy to Mayweather’s dominance. An undefeated record and continued success across divisions make this a legacy fight.

A game between 42-0 and 51-0 is hugely critical, but it’s also the riskiest option on the table.

At age 49, the clash with Crawford will be a test of whether Mayweather’s defensive control can still neutralize an elite new-era opponent.

Jake Paul’s business struggle

The fight with Jake Paul sells itself. Their previous confrontation outside the ring has already generated interest, and Paul’s attitude ensures attention regardless of the outcome.

Regardless of the level Mayweather shows against Pacquiao, the fight remains profitable.

It’s a high-revenue, low-barrier fight, especially in a market where crossover fights often outperform conventional fights.

Conor McGregor’s rematch

The numbers alone keep Conor McGregor in the conversation. Their first meeting was one of the best-selling events in boxing history, following the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight.

The level of demand still matters.

In today’s streaming-driven environment, the rematch could easily be classified as a global spectacle with the potential to deliver another massive financial return.

Stakes of the streaming era

As previously reported by World Boxing News, the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch is set to redefine boxing’s audience scale in the streaming era.

The move from pay-per-view to a global subscription platform changes the way success is measured. If an event meets expectations, it strengthens the case for each option being considered.

Whether it leads to a trilogy, a long-awaited rematch, or a crossover event, Mayweather’s next move will depend on how far this current model can extend the biggest nights in sports.

Calculated final chapter

Mayweather won’t come back to rebuild anything. His legacy is now protected. All that remains is the ability to add to it in a controlled way.

Each option carries a different balance of risk and reward, but they all have one factor in common: scale. At the age of 49, every decision carries more weight.

If the rematch with Pacquiao ends as expected, Mayweather will not only be back – he will once again control the direction of sports’ biggest nights.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

Gervonta Davis revealed his most formidable opponent in the professional ring, admitting that each attack “felt like bricks were being thrown at his head.”

The American hasn’t fought since a very controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025, when many felt he was lucky to retain the WBA lightweight world title.

This was mainly because “Tank” chose to take a knee in round nine, but referee Steve Willis did not rule it a knockdown.

However, a 10-8 round would mean Roach would pull off a major upset, dethroning Davis, whose reputation has since been steeped in controversy due to his arrest for domestic violence.

“Tank” was previously scheduled to face Jake Paul in an exhibition match last November, but was removed from the event amid allegations of false imprisonment, battery and attempted kidnapping.

It is currently unclear whether the 31-year-old will return to action, but it is much more certain who hit him the hardest in the professional ring.

I’m talking to Fight the noiseDavis insisted that Rolando “Rolly” Romero, the current WBA welterweight champion, deserves credit for having such strength.

“I won’t lie: ‘Rolly’ hit challenging. People are sleeping on “Rolly” – he doesn’t have his chin down, so “Rolly” will get caught. But he can hit.

“He’s the only person [against whom] I’ve ever felt [such power]. When he swung, it felt like bricks.

Romero faced Davis in 2022, suffering a sixth-round loss at lightweight, but has since re-established himself as a solid 147-pound champion.

The American’s unanimous decision win over Ryan Garcia in May 2025 earned him the WBA “Regular” title, before being promoted to full champion later that year.

Meanwhile, Davis became the WBA lightweight champion “in hiatus” due to his inaction and legal problems.