Keith Thurman says all roads in Australia lead to Tim Tszyu fight

Clearwater, Florida is roughly 9,250 miles from Sydney, Australia. But Keith Thurman draws upon similarities between the two cities.

“It looks like Florida a little bit because I live by the water and this city Sydney is by the water,” he tells DAZN News. “But they got sharks apparently, so you don’t really need to go swimming out here.”

His pointed sense of humor intact, Thurman, admittedly, has been having a great time in Australia, introducing himself to fans “Down Under” and thus reintegrating his name into the sport following a three-year absence from the ring.

On Wednesday, Thurman (30-1 with 1 no contest, 22 knockouts) clashes with Australian fighter Brock Jarvis (22-1, 20 KOs) at Hordern Pavillion in Sydney. The 154-pound bout is set for 10 rounds.

The 36-year-old Thurman could have easily opted for his comeback fight to be hosted by Las Vegas or New York City — sweet science hubs he is not any stranger to.

But having his return fight in Australia was a conscious decision for Thurman who promises this will not be the “One Time” he fights in the continent. In fact, the decision to fight Jarvis in Australia is part of Thurman’s methodical plan.

“I didn’t come here all the way to Australia just for this one appearance to showcase my skills and talents,” Thurman says. “We’re here in Australia to hunt down [Tim] Tszyu. There’s some unfinished business and sometimes it’s not easy to make happen in boxing.”

Thurman was slated to fight Tszyu in March 2024 before the former suffered a bicep injury while sparring, forcing the bout with the Australian to be scrapped.

Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs) wound up losing to Sebastian Fundora via split decision, instead. In October, Tszyu was absolutely annihilated by Bakhram Murtazaliev in a crushing third-round TKO.

That being said, Thurman is still very much interested in making sure the fight with Tszyu happens.

“His name is still a big name over here in Australia,” Thurman says of Tszyu. “There’s enough money to come collect.

“A good fight’s a good fight — why not make it happen?”

Thurman believes a successful jaunt in Australia will open up the lane for him to contend for a title at super welterweight. But “One Time” insists that he understands this is something easier said than done.

He likens Australian boxers to Mexican warriors for their shared willingness to fight forward, believing the continent’s love for rugby spawns toughness for fighters from “Down Under.”

Following the Jarvis fight with a Tszyu bout is exactly what Thurman believes he needs.

“What Keith Thurman really needs is action,” he says, speaking in the third person. “We get back in action … this is a whole comeback year for me.

“I just look forward to this journey,” he continues. “If anybody can do it, do you doubt what Keith Thurman can do in boxing?

"I think Thurman might do it.”