By Luis Sandoval

Keith “One Time” Thurman is going into his fight this Saturday night looking to put on a dominant performance and he’s not shy to let you know he’s planning on knocking his opponent Julio Diaz out.

While most fighters give the cliché answer that they won’t look for a knockout and rather let the knockout come to them, Thurman assures he is going to be on the hunt to finish things on his own. Diaz is seasoned veteran and gave a great account of himself against Amir Khan and Shawn Porter but Thurman wants to get his 21st career stoppage as he headlines the main event at the Stub Hub Center.

“I’m definitely looking for the KO, how else do you think I get them? My knockouts ain’t done by mistake baby. They’re done for a reason. I place those punches. I set them up and I put them down. So we’re going to see how this boy wants to crack in the first round, in the second round, third, fourth, fifth round and then we’re going to roll over into the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth round. I’m always looking for that shot. The name is One Time for a reason.” Thurman would tell BoxingScene.

Thurman’s power can be seen in his record as only two fighters have lasted the distance with the Clearwater, FL native. Most fighters feel trying to knock an opponent out can throw their game plan off or cause them to be reckless but Thurman has a different mentality. The last thing he wants to see is the end of the 12th round. 

“I mean there’s been knockouts that I didn’t look for; they walked into it. Sometimes you let it come but I’m looking for it because (bell rings in gym)- you heard that bell? I don’t mind hearing the bell but I don’t want to hear that final bell. The fight should be over before it’s over” said Thurman.

The Welterweight division is stacked with names and opportunities for Thurman but he understands he needs to take care of his assignment in Julio Diaz Saturday night in order to continue his tear at 147.

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007