Keith “One Time” Thurman has at least four words in response to his promoter, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, who had said he would like to match the unbeaten welterweight contender with former titleholder Robert Guerrero in a Nov. 2 bout:

“It’s a good fight,” said Thurman, a hard-hitting Florida resident who is 21-0 with 19 knockouts. “But, you know, I’m ready for anybody.”

Thurman is coming off last month’s 10th-round knockout of previously unbeaten Diego Chaves for his 10th stoppage in his past 11 bouts, while Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KOs) was last in the ring in May for a unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. that ended a 15-bout winning streak which included nine stoppages.

Schaefer said Guerrero-Thurman “would be just a sensational fight, stylistically,” adding, “it would be one of those must-see-TV events.”

Thurman agrees.

“It’s an exciting fight for me, because Guerrero, he’s been in the mix within the welterweight division, which is pretty much where I want to be. To face someone who has walked the path and walked down the alley where you want to go, and who has been where you want to be, I just think that it’s a great test and a great opportunity to see what Keith Thurman’s all about,” said Thurman, who is 24.

“I’ve been barking and barking and trying to make a loud noise ever since I’ve gotten onto the scene. I’m just trying to get the shots that I believe that I deserve, man. I see myself as a true warrior. I see myself as a champion. I’m in this sport to be a champion, so, you know, I’m calling out all of the champions and all of the ex-world champions. Whatever I’ve got to do to get recognized in this game. You know, Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman is just moving up one step at a time and one fight at a time.”

Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Lem Satterfield can be reached at [email protected]