Ex-champ Thurman vows to deliver Jarvis a reality check

Keith Thurman has issued a challenge to Brock Jarvis to make sure their looming super-welterweight showdown doesn't degenerate into a man-against-boy whipping.

Growing tired of the doubters questioning his ability to return to the ring at age 36 and after three years of inactivity, Thurman on Tuesday turned the blowtorch on Jarvis.

Boasting a 30-1 record, with his only loss coming against the great Manny Pacquiao and with 22 of his victories coming via knockout, the former unified world champion is wondering if Jarvis (22-1, 20KOs) may be out of his league next Wednesday night in Sydney.

"He has nobody in his record that compares to anybody that I've ever fought, and that's his downside," Thurman said.

"His downside is the lack of experience when it comes to fighting outside of Australia, right?

"Luckily, growing up in America, even when I was coming before I was world champion, I fought former world champions.

"I've fought the Mexicans from Mexico, Mexican Americans, other Latino fighters and European fighters, European champions and, from the amateurs to pros, I've had exposure to a plethora of world-class fighters.

"Brock's record, he's just fighting a lot of people who don't have that world-class recognition.

"Brock has battled some of those tough Latin fighters. They brought him and a tough Filipino fighter.

"So it's one thing when you're a dog. It's another thing when you meet another dog and you go toe to toe, man to man.

"So I believe I definitely have the experience advantage when it comes to being in the ring with world-class, very tough fighters.

"It's up to Brock to prove to me what pedigree he's bringing into the ring. I know what pedigree I belong (in)."

Jarvis has split with long-time trainer Jeff Fenech after Australia's legendary four-division world champion warned the 27-year-old against taking the fight with Thurman.

But the Sydney slugger is promising to take the American out and set up a domestic super-fight with Nikita Tszyu.

Thurman has other ideas, intent on winning his comeback bout and hopefully getting the chance to complete some unfinished business with Nikita's superstar brother Tim.

He and Tim Tszyu were slated to joust in Las Vegas last March before Thurman tore a biceps muscle.

"Why is Keith Thurman standing here today flying to Australia to fight Brock Jarvis? Either I fear not being in the spotlight, Keith Thurman can't live without some recognition in life - name, fame - or I'm here because of the love of the sport," he said.

"It's the love and the passion for the sport ... I'm here because I love my memories of boxing.

"I love the story of Keith 'One Time' Thurman - 30 wins, one loss, 22 knockouts, WBA, WBC unified champion of the world.

"That's a great story. But is that all the story is? Is there more?

"I'm here to find out. I want do more in the sport. I want to add more to that beautiful story. I don't feel like I'm done.

"Floyd Mayweather fought till he was 40. Pacquiao fought till he was 40.

"So it's really up to the individual athlete, but I've been through a lot - bone spurs, hand surgery, now biceps injury.

"But I believe I have more to give and more to tell and that's what I'm doing here in Australia against Brock Jarvis, to continue that story."