Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports has acquired some big names in the sports world and recently acquired their boxing license. They’re looking to build a stable of boxers but they’ve already gotten shut down by one fighter.
via ESPN:
Keith Thurman owns an interim welterweight belt and is one of boxing’s potential future stars — he has charisma, punching power and a fan-friendly fighting style. And Thurman is a wanted man.
Thurman fits the profile of what the company is looking for, and Roc Nation went after him in mid-October, offering him a three-fight contract worth $6 million. Ultimately, however, Thurman told ESPN.com that he passed on the offer before even bringing it to adviser Al Haymon to discuss.
“For the most part, it’s a move that I’m not willing to make right now,” Thurman told ESPN.com on Monday. “It’s nice to throw dollar signs in front of a young guy like me and I appreciate it. But I am a man of faith and I believe all that’s coming to me in the future. As long as you have a ‘0’ (on your record) it’s like holding on to a golden goose egg.”
“Jay Z’s company is a young company. I haven’t seen them make guys money yet in boxing,” said Thurman, who turns 26 on Nov. 23. “I’m young. The offer came quick. I already knew I was getting ready for this fight and I’m satisfied with my purse for this fight and with another knockout victory next year my purses will multiply.
“I want to see (Jay Z) do something with another fighter before I follow. I don’t want to fly on the first airplane.”
Haymon would have had to sign off on Thurman’s deal and he obviously is not interested in signing the boxers in his stable with a promoter. He also is no friend of Jay Z’s. There is bad blood there (and with Beyonce, Jay Z’s wife) going back to their paths crossing in the music business.
“I listened. How could you not listen when they throw those kind of numbers around,” Thurman said. “The way I felt at the end is I don’t see how I’m not making $6 million next year anyway. It all came fast. I’m just a patient cat. I’m patient. If you keep a door open you can always walk through it eventually. Right now I’m comfortable with what I’m doing with Team Haymon.
“I was more than flattered by the offer. It was a dream come true actually. I laugh at the fact that I didn’t jump on board. I find it funny. I find it ironic because I was waiting my entire life to be offered a certain deal worth millions. And here I am saying no to a $6 million deal because I believe it’s in my future, if not more, going into 2015.
“I’m not sure if I want to tie down with any entity no matter what they plan to do. I want to learn about this sport – the business aspect of the sport. Maybe I should have jumped. Maybe some other fighter will. What if I lose to Bundu? But I’m a man of faith and I can be patient. I’m looking forward to 2015. Time will tell if I made the right decision.”
