Despite long layoff, Keith Thurman says his health not an issue

Keith Thurman gestures to the crowd during the grand arrival festivities at MGM Grand Hotel. Photo by Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

LAS VEGAS—Keith Thurman allayed concerns about his health ahead of his welterweight showdown with Manny Pacquiao on Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena here.

Thurman was sidelined for 22 months after he beat Danny Garcia by split decision on March 4, 2017 due to a right elbow surgery and a left hand injury.

He returned to the ring last January 26 and barely beat Josesito Lopez as he settled for a majority decision in a fight where he nearly got stopped in the seventh round.

Thurman’s subpar performance against Lopez brought about talks regarding his health, which he doesn’t appear to be worried about heading into his title unification bout with Pacquiao.

“[I’m] healthy enough to whip some ass,” Thurman told reporters Tuesday during the Grand Arrival of fighters.

The 30-year-old Thurman also said there is no point on dwelling on his previous inactivity in the ring as he prefers to focus on what’s in front of him.

“Inactivity, it wasn’t a blessing. It wasn’t a downfall either at the end of the day, but it did keep me out of the limelight,” he said.

“I don’t wanna talk about my pain, I don’t wanna talk about my suffering, I don’t wanna talk about things that won’t happen, can’t happen. I don’t want those conversations. As an athlete, it would feel very negative. I enjoy positive moments in life, positive moments in my career and right now, we’re living out one of the most positive moments of my professional boxing career.”