Keith Thurman showcased his power, delivering a reality check to Brock Jarvis with a dominant third-round knockout in Sydney, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster clash with Tim Tszyu.
Thurman’s decisive victory came via a brutal combination culminating in a powerful uppercut that sent Jarvis to the mat in the third round on Wednesday night.
The referee promptly halted the super-welterweight contest after Thurman again floored Jarvis with a stunning left hook to the head shortly thereafter.
This defeat marks a significant setback for Jarvis, especially after his recent split with Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech, who had expressed concerns about Thurman’s punching power.
Curtis Scott, formerly of NRL, stepped into Jarvis’s corner, replacing Fenech, and witnessed the brutal knockout of the 27-year-old.
For Thurman, this victory, his first fight in three years, silences any doubts about his competitiveness at 36 years old.
Thurman now hopes Tim Tszyu will be successful against Joey Spencer on April 6 in Newcastle, paving the way for a fight with the former WBO champion.
‘I’ve just raised the stakes for you, Tszyu,’ Thurman declared.
‘This is after three years of inactivity. You see what I’m capable of.’
‘If you want to come back strong, you have to show what you’ve got.’
‘Best of luck to Tim. I’m ready to fight anyone in the boxing world.’
‘If that contract with Tszyu materializes, you know Keith Thurman will sign it. I’m eager for that fight.’
The fight’s abrupt conclusion contrasted sharply with the first round where Jarvis pressured Thurman, keeping him on the defensive.
Jarvis continued to land more punches in the second round, but Thurman unleashed his power in the third, leading to the decisive knockout.
In the co-main event, Michael Zerafa secured a TKO win over Besir Ay, claiming the vacant WBO Intercontinental middleweight title and immediately calling out Tszyu.
The referee stopped the fight early in the seventh round after Zerafa knocked down the German fighter twice in quick succession with headshots.
Zerafa, embracing his ‘villain’ persona in Australian boxing, directly addressed Tszyu, who was commentating at the event.
‘That’s the biggest fight in Australia, and I won’t even resort to trash talk,’ Zerafa stated.
Mateo Tapia also claimed the vacant IBF Intercontinental middleweight title with a knockout victory over fellow Australian Sergei Vorobev.
In his first fight since a controversial draw against Endry Saavedra in Florida, Tapia’s ‘million-dollar right hand’ delivered again.
Tapia knocked out Vorobev in the fifth round with a powerful blow to the face.
‘It’s great to be back,’ Tapia said, celebrating his improved record of 17-1-0 (11KOs).
‘The Orlando fight was a major test, not just skill-wise, but dealing with everything before and during the fight.’
‘Two head clashes really damaged my eye. So I’m happy to return and reassert myself.’