When it comes to hyped Americans we do tend to see a lot of them. Some, do tend to be the goods such as Andre Ward, others however vanish without a trace after facing a major test and being found out. Anyone remember Mike Jones?
This weekend sees Keith Thurman (21-0-0-1, 19) attempting to prove he's the real deal as he takes on the always game and often exciting Jesus Soto Karass (28-8-3, 18) in the first defence of Thurman's WBA "interim" Welterweight title.. On paper this should be a coming out bout for Thurman though Soto Karass has proven time and time again not to under-estimate him.
From the hype we've been reading about Thurman he's a destructive, 1 punch banger with the ability to take out anyone in the division if he lands "one time". Whilst his power is certainly there and it can be delivered to either the head or the body it doesn't seem quite as powerful as Showtime and Thurman himself would want us to believe.
Other than the power Thurman does have some nice traits. He certainly has personality, confidence, nice speed but nothing about his boxing makes me think he'll be a true superstar. He's more rounded than an Andre Berto but still doesn't look that great with some flaws coming through.
When it comes to Soto Karass he is a limited fighter but one who always comes to fight and one who has been improving markedly in recent fighters. Just a few years ago many had written off Karass who had lost in bouts to Alfonso Gomez, Mike Jones-twice and Gabriel Rosado going 0-4-0-1 over a 5 fight stretch. Since then however he has gone 4-1 with notable victories over Berto and Selcuk Aydin. Yeah they are both a level below Thurman's expected level but both are genuine top 15 fighters in the 147 division.
The key for this bout will be whether or not Thurman's power is going to prevent Soro Karass from making this his type of fight. If the Mexican can turn this bout in a fight then it's easy to at least think about the upset. Of course Thurman has the power, skills and speed to make Soto Karass look stupid but on the other hand can he apply them rightly? Will his power carry up and hurt Soto Karass?
It seems unlikely that Thurman's power won't grind Soto Karass down eventually but I do expect the American to be given an uncomfortably tough contest here before eventually stopping Thurman in the second half of the fight.
Prediction-Thurman TKO8
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