Thurman Needs To Keep Focus On Pacquiao, Not McGregor

Keith Thurman is pretty confident of his chances against Manny Pacquiao when both meet on July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. This early, One Time is the boxing favorite in betting odds although those are expected to fluctuate once fight night nears. In short, Thurman needs to keep his mind in the game and prepare well for the eight-time division champion.

The last thing that Thurman needs is a distraction and it seems that is now shaping up. After Conor McGregor recently said he deserved a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., the 29-year-old undefeated boxer inserted himself in the fray and said that if the Notorious was looking for a boxing match, he was down with it, TMZ Sports reported.

"[In boxing], the advantage is do you have skills with the left? Do you have skills with the right? Do you have footwork? And, one thing [Conor] doesn't have is conditioning! He does not have conditioning. He is not ready for these championship fights," said Thurman in that report.

McGregor has yet to respond to Thurman's challenge although this may end up more as a distraction. Although he is undefeated, there is no question that a McGregor-Mayweather rematch would generate more money than a clash with the 27-year-old pug. Many top boxers have issued challenges to McGregor in the past but nothing really transpired.

Ironically, the fact that Thurman pointed out the importance of conditioning for a boxer somehow places him in a spot. It was something singled out by Forbes in the past -- particularly his fight against Josesito Lopez. While he did win that fight back in January, it was a far from impressive victory. The key for One Time to come out on top is preparation and he cannot take Pac-Man for granted.

Despite being younger by 11 years against Pacquiao, Thurman needs to take into consideration that the eight-time division champion still has the power and speed against anyone he meets in the ring. That was in full display against Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner, meaning Thurman needs to keep his mind in the game.

If Thurman truly wants to face McGregor, he may want to do it after the Pacquiao fight. But of course, that depends on the outcome this July. If he loses, McGregor could easily make fun of him - also dampening any hope of seeing another cross-sport fight.