Thurman, 37, was stopped in the sixth round by Fundora on March 28, fighting the size, pressure, and speed of the 6'6” WBC junior middleweight champion. Morrell believes the result was predictable due to Thurman's age and inactivity.
Thurman's work is built on explosives, one power shot and lateral movement. Against Fundora, who threw 96 shots to Thurman's 28, you can't win one punch at a time.
“Thurman, I want to say, he's very stupid because this fight is impossible for him,” Morrell said on Fight Hub TV. “It's been a long time for Thurman, he's coming back against Fundora, but this decision is stupid.
“I think this guy needed a fight or two before he could fight Fundora. You can do it. He's got the skills, and you're a little older too. This is crazy.”
Fundora's 80-inch reach and 6'6″ frame create a “dead zone” for smaller fighters. To beat him, you usually have to fight inside or have a motor to match his speed. Thurman doesn't have the volume or chin he once had to trade in those trenches.
The layoffs slowed Thurman down, which turned a tough fight into an impossibility. He looked hesitant to pull the trigger, and against a guy who always connects with the jab, hesitation is a death sentence.
Even if Thurman was double-tuned, it would be a 5'8 1/2” fighter trying to outbox a 6'6” bulk. Morrell calls it “stupid” because, from a career management perspective, taking this fight was essentially signing up to lose.
“For my teammates, for me, it's better in this fight,” added Morrell. “For Thurman against Fundora, this fight is impossible. For a long time, you have not fought.”
Morrell's suggestion that it should have been a co-ed event is technically correct from a sporting point of view. It wasn't a main event level fight, but financially it's not possible in the real world.
Keith Thurman doesn't get in the ring for the “love of the game” or to climb the rankings at this stage. He is a prize fighter in the truest sense.
A co-main event slot usually comes with a fraction of the purse compared to the headliner. For a guy fighting as rare as Halley's Comet, Thurman has to maximize all appearances.
Rescheduling would mean a smaller paycheck and another full training camp, carrying the risk of injury or an embarrassing $200k loss instead of $2M+. For Thurman, it's either “The subject is shot for big money or sits on the couch.”
Fans' frustration that Thurman is “part-time” is backed up by the numbers. Since defeating Danny Garcia in 2017, his career has been on a roll:
2017-2019: Layoff two years before Josesito Lopez.
2019-2022: Layoff three years before Mario Barrios.
2022-2026: Layoffs four years before Fundora.
You can't stay on top at 154 lbs, a division currently full of active talent sharks, by treating boxing as a seasonal hobby. Morrell's “stupid” comments hit home because Thurman chose money over legacy. By taking the Fundora fight right away, he actually traded his “One Time” aura for a big final check.
Morrell is a fighter, so he sees the unlikely nature of the matchup. But developers and networks recognize the name. Even the late Keith Thurman sells more PPVs than the sharp but unknown prospect.
“For my teammates, for me, it's better in this fight,” said Morrell.
Although Morrell thinks this is where the fight was of the highest quality, the boxing business needs a “B-side” with fans. Thurman gave the name, Fundora gave the bang, and the bank accounts filled up.
