This dude would've already retired from boxing with a 14-6 type of record to drive a UPS truck for a living if he was around when Benitez was
Lol. That's an exaggeration. Thurman's not that bad. Its not like he'd be a bum in the 80s. He damn sure wouldn't be in the Leonard/Hearns/Duran/Benitez class. He wouldn't beat Palomino either. But he'd be a fringe contender type.
I agreee with the sentiment that Thurman get's schooled early and stopped late. We are talking about a guy whose best show thus far is a running-away effort vs the totally awesome Cherry Garcia.
And in truth, I was far from impressed with that performance. Thurman hasn't really been impressive since the Diego Chavez and Soto Karass fights. The moment his competition increased, the KO's stopped and he's relied exclusively on his leap amateurism. Mainly gets by because he's just more AFFLETIC than his opponents, which was evident against Porter and Garcia. It should be no surprise he wants nothing to do with guys like Spence and Crawford.
Thurman may have been a top 10 contender in that era, but that’s as optimistic as you can be. Palomino and Cuevas beat him. I would also take Mayweather Sr over him. No need to mention what the top 4 welterweights of that time do to him.