Too old, too inactive, too small? Thurman’s difficult climb

What the return fight showed

Thurman boxed twice during this period. His most recent appearance was a short fight against Brock Jarvis in March 2025, his first fight in three years. Although the ruling came early, it did not dispel doubts.

Many observers noted how quickly Thurman seemed to work, even before the finish. Against a limited opponent, this raised alarms rather than reassurance.

Age as a factor

Age is at the center of these concerns. Thurman is 37 years old. His opponent, Sebastian Fundora, is ten years younger. Fans wonder if Thurman still has the legs to handle a long fight, especially given his injury history and long layoffs. The belief is not that he suddenly forgot how to box, but that sharpness fades when not tested regularly.

Then there is physical reality. Fundora is an extreme junior middleweight. Standing over six feet five inches tall, he brings size and reach that few fighters in the division can match. Thurman moves up from welterweight and provides height, reach and bulk. Many see the task as applying constant pressure and precise timing. Others doubt he could even get close enough for it to matter.

The question of placement

The strongest complaint, however, concerns access. Fans continue to wonder why Thurman is receiving a title opportunity after so little recent work. More active names like Vergil Ortiz Jr. or Bakhram Murtazaliev are often cited as more deserving. The expression charity fight comes up often. The same goes for leapfrog.

There are still believers. Some point to Thurman’s intelligence and timing. They argue that a focused version of him can disrupt anyone. But the delay caused by Fundora’s hand injury only prolonged the conversation. This did not appease him.