Boxing
Morrell says Thurman took the fight to Fundora too soon
Published
4 months agoon
Thurman, 37, was stopped in the sixth round by Fundora on March 28, struggling with the size, pressure and pace of the 6-foot-6 WBC junior middleweight world champion. Morrell believes the outcome was predictable due to Thurman’s age and inactivity.
Fundora is a unique problem that requires a special set of tools. Thurman’s career was built on explosive single shots and lateral movement. Against Fundora, who took 96 shots compared to Thurman’s 28, you can’t win by throwing one punch at a time.
“I want to say that Thurman is way too stupid because this fight is impossible for him,” Morrell told Fight Hub TV. “That’s a long time. Thurman, you’re going back to the Fundora match, but this decision is stupid.
“I think this guy needed a fight or two before he fights Fundora. You can do it. You have the skills, but you’re also a little elderly. This is crazy.”
Fundora’s reach of 80 inches and height of 6 feet 6 inches create a “dead zone” for smaller players. To defeat him, you usually have to fight from the inside or have an engine adapted to his pace. Thurman simply doesn’t have the volume or chin he once had to trade in the trenches.
The break caused Thurman to ponderous down, which made a challenging fight impossible. He looked hesitant to pull the trigger, and for a guy who throws punches all the time, hesitation is a death sentence.
Even if Thurman made two substitutions, he would still be a 5-foot-1/2-inch fighter trying to top a 6-foot-6-inch punch. Morrell calls it “stupid” because from a career management standpoint, taking this fight was basically setting yourself up for failure.
“For me, it will be better for this fight,” Morrell added. “For Thurman against Fundora, this fight is impossible. You haven’t fought in a long time.”
Morrell’s suggestion that it should be a side event is technically correct from a sporting point of view. It wasn’t a main event fight, but that’s financially impossible in the real world.
At this point, Keith Thurman isn’t stepping into the ring for the “love of the game” or climbing the rankings. He is a warrior in the most literal sense of the word.
A co-main event slot usually provides a fraction of the purse compared to the headliner. For a guy who fights as rarely as Halley’s Comet, Thurman has to make the most of every appearance.
Taking the tune-up would mean a smaller paycheck and another full training camp, which carries the risk of injury or an embarrassing $200,000 loss. dollars instead of over $2 million. In Thurman’s case, it was probably “shoot for the big-money title or stay on the couch.”
Fans’ frustration with Thurman working part-time is borne out by the numbers. Since his victory over Danny Garcia in 2017, his activity has been terrible:
2017–2019: Two-year break for Josesito Lopez.
2019–2022: Three-year break before Mario Barrios.
2022–2026: Four-year hiatus before Fundora.
You cannot remain an elite 154-pound division that is currently teeming with youthful, dynamic talent by treating boxing like a seasonal hobby. Morrell’s “stupid” comment hits home because Thurman chose money over an inheritance. By taking the fight to Fundora right away, he essentially traded his “One Time” aura for ultimate mass control.
Morrell is a fighter, so he sees the impossible nature of this matchup. But promoters and networks see the name. Even a faded Keith Thurman sells more PPV than a keen but relatively unknown prospect.
“For me, it will be better for this fight,” Morrell said.
While Morrell believes that this is where the fight should be in terms of quality, the boxing business needs a “B-side” that has fans. Thurman gave his name, Fundor was beaten, and the bank accounts filled up.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, respected for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fight landscape. His reports focus on the most essential fights, division development and the most discussed stories in sports.
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Boxing
Trainer Robert Garcias Bold KO Prediction for Spence vs Tszyu: I Hope Im Wrong
Published
2 hours agoon
July 25, 2026
Top trainer Robert Garcia does not rule out an emphatic finish as Errol Spence Jr returns from a three-year absence to face Tim Tszyu.
The two former world champions will collide at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena, Australia, this weekend, with Spence’s request of an additional 2lbs having been granted.
Tszyu, meanwhile, had originally pushed for a catchweight of 156lbs but, after agreeing to 158lbs, he must now jump even further up to middleweight.
While making concessions this time around, the 31-year-old typically prefers to fight at 154lbs, where he claimed the WBO title by unanimously outpointing Brian Mendoza in 2023.
Since then, Tszyu has suffered defeats to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, who scored destructive stoppages over the Australian in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
In terms of one-sided beatdowns, though, there are very few that can be mentioned in the same breath as Terence Crawford’s nine-round masterclass against Spence.
With this being Spence’s last outing, there is very little recent evidence to suggest the 36-year-old can rediscover any semblance of his past form.
When considering the American’s 2019 car crash, too, coach Garcia leaves himself with no choice but to back Tszyu in his interview with ESPN.
“I think with Spence coming back from a really bad knockout [defeat] to Crawford and the car accident, I favour Tszyu. He’s just active and maybe a little bit healthier.
“[So] I think Tszyu wins, and it could even be a stoppage. At this point, Spence might not have anything left. I hope I’m wrong, because I like him. He’s a great person.”
Garcia also suggested that Tszyu should aim to take Spence into the later rounds, where ‘The Truth’ may struggle to evade any attacks with his feet.
Boxing
Gervonta Davis Weighs In: Who He Supports in Spence vs Tszyu Showdown
Published
3 hours agoon
July 25, 2026
Gervonta Davis has weighed in on the 160lb clash between Errol Spence Jr and Tim Tszyu this weekend.
The two former world champions will square off at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena, Australia, where it was originally agreed that they would collide at a catchweight of 158lbs.
In a late turn of events, Spence requested an additional 2lbs – which was subsequently granted – as he returns to action for the first time in three years.
Yet despite his last outing resulting in a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Terence Crawfordthe 36-year-old has been made a slight favourite against Tszyu.
This is also Spence’s first meaningful assignment above 147lbs, where he remained unbeaten before losing his WBC, IBF and WBA titles to Crawford.
Tszyu, meanwhile, has lost three of his last six fights after encountering the ferocious fists of Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, who scored stoppages over the Australian in 2024 and 2025, respectively
But while he hopes to return to world level at 154lbs, the 31-year-old first looks to claim his most significant victory since outpointing Brian Mendoza in 2023.
One man pledging his support for Spence, however, is former world champion ‘Tank’ Davis, who shared his thoughts via social media on Wednesday.
“Bring it home EJ!”
Gervonta Davis showing love to Errol Spence on social media ahead of his return against Tim Tszyu 👏#SpenceTszyu | July 25 | Live on DAZN and DAZN on Prime 📺 pic.twitter.com/ibOHC4YQjk
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 22, 2026
Despite his three years of inactivity, many suspect that Spence is far superior from a technical perspective.
Tszyu, on the other hand, could take advantage of the American’s lack of momentum by setting a hellacious pace, perhaps exposing any signs of deterioration with his relentless pressure and consistent attacks.
Boxing
Dominique Francis Claims Hes Nearing World Title Contention in Zuffas Competitive Landscape
Published
2 days agoon
July 23, 2026
Unbeaten Dominique Francis believes he is closer to boxing’s elite than many realize as the 16-0 super featherweight contender prepares for his return under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Francis has stopped 10 opponents during his professional career and will return on July 26 against Hector Andres Sosa at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York on Paramount+.
The Miami native has been out of action since his fourth-round knockout of Julio Carrera Lugo in October 2024, but Francis insists the time away from the ring has not changed his belief or his approach.
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News on the eve of the fight, Francis explained why he does not fear inactivity, why he believes Zuffa has changed opportunities for fighters, and why he feels the world champions are closer than many expect.
Francis Refuses To Blame The Layoff
Francis does not believe a layoff of that nature automatically affects a fighter’s ability if the work continues behind the scenes.
“It ain’t change my mindset. You seen Floyd Mayweather fight Juan Manuel Márquezhe took 21 months off of boxing,” Francis told WBN.
“At the same time, with me, you know what I’m saying, he was as sharp as he, like sharpest he ever was. I don’t believe in all that. If you working and you inside the gym, you alright.”
Zuffa Gives Fighters More Opportunities
Francis believes joining Zuffa provides a valuable platform for fighters, but he knows his own preparation remains his responsibility.
“It’s very important, but you know, they going they going to handle that. It’s just me to do my job: stay in the gym, stay in shape, stay healthy, you know what I mean, so whenever I get a call, we can make it happen.”
The 16-0 contender is also excited about competing on Paramount+ and believes the boxing landscape is changing.
“Oh man, very I’m very thankful for this opportunity, man. The landscape changed a lot, man, ’cause you know, now you have more fighters that have opportunity now.
“They have places to go, you know what I mean? So the landscape changed a lot, they have places to go, and that’s a great thing for us fighters, man.”
Francis was pleased with his last performance against Lugo but is not looking back as he prepares for the next stage of his career.
“My last performance was good. It was a it was a good performance, but that don’t matter no more, you know what I mean? ‘Cause now it’s about this performance.”

“I’m Closer Than I Even Think”
Francis has clear ambitions for the next 12 months and believes continued improvement will put him in position for bigger opportunities.
“I want to be prosperity, to keep learning, and I want growth, definitely growth, as long as you keep going. So keep prospering and keep learning and keep growing. For sure, for sure.”
When asked about his distance from the world champions, Francis made it clear that he believes he belongs closer to the top than many might expect.
“I’m closer than I even think, and I know that. ‘Cause I be seeing a lot of things that I’ll see on TV with the top guys, whatever like that, but they’re just normal guys, man.
“They just normal guys that put in the hard work. And one thing about me, I’m a guy that put in the hard work, and I have the talent, skills, and ability.”
No Distractions Ahead Of Return
Francis believes his latest training camp has given him the ideal foundation before his return.
“This training camp was beautiful, coaching, um trajectory was very well, no distractions. No distractions at all, great recovery and understanding.”
The 25-year-old now gets the chance to prove his confidence inside the ring, with the unbeaten contender believing the next stage of his career can bring him closer to the biggest names in boxing.
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