Car accident puts Thurman-Porter fight on hold
The fight boxing fans have been looking forward to seeing for months has been put on hold.
World Boxing Association welterweight champion Keith Thurman pulled out of his March 12 title defense against Shawn Porter Monday after being involved in an automobile accident last Wednesday in Florida. Thurman was not seriously injured in the crash but he felt pain in his neck and his back when he attempted to he work out a couple of days ago. On the advice of his doctors Thurman (26-0, 22 knockouts) needs to take a few weeks off to let his body heal.
"While it is unfortunate that we must temporarily postpone this marquee matchup, a main event of this magnitude of Thurman vs. Porter requires that both fighters be healthy and at their best," said Lou DiBella, who is promoting the fight. "Keith is anxious to resume training as soon as he is able and both he and Shawn are looking forward to a new fight date."
DiBella and Showtime both said they are looking to salvage the date at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. Initially, the Thurman-Porter main event was going to be shown in prime time on CBS. If the card is still held, it would be televised on Showtime. The main event could have Gary Russell Jr. defending his World Boxing Council featherweight belt against Patrick Hyland in the main event with the co-main featuring featherweights Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel along with a light heavyweight bout between Edwin Rodriguez and Thomas Williams.
"We're talking to Showtime and waiting to see what their response is," DiBella said.
As for Thurman, he initially didn't feel any pain after the accident. But when he was in the gym Saturday, he felt pain in his neck. And after seeing the doctor Monday, he decision was made to postpone the fight with Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs).
"He was lucky," DiBella said of Thurman's accident. "It could have been a lot worse. But the air bags deployed as they should and he has whiplash. He's going to have some physical therapy and it's probably four to six weeks before he can get back and seriously train."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj
