In an anticipated showdown, Keith Thurman is rumored to challenge WBA “regular” welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis, while Danny Garcia is set to face off against WBA secondary middleweight champion Erislandy Lara on December 9th, broadcasted on Showtime. Notably, this date collides with DAZN’s Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis PPV, hinting at a potentially intriguing viewership battle.
Despite Stanionis being the fresher face, some boxing enthusiasts argue that the other headliners, especially the 40-year-old Lara, might be past their prime. Lara clinched his current title against Thomas LaManna, but skeptics believe he might struggle against a stronger contender.
Thurman’s matchup against the undefeated Stanionis is drawing attention, given his hiatus since a victory over Mario Barrios in February 2022. The hiatus, combined with his recent call-outs to welterweight champions, has left fans intrigued about his next move.
Danny Garcia, despite being seen as more active than Thurman and Lara, faces the challenge of stepping up to 160, a weight class where he’s perceived as undersized. His last match was a victory against Jose Benavidez Jr. after a two-year layoff, marking a solid return to the ring. As Showtime gears up for one of its final boxing broadcasts of the year, these matchups promise high-octane action and potential career-defining moments for the fighters involved.
Image Credit: TGB Promotions