Fundora was stalking Thurman around the ring, landing hard punches while receiving little offense in return. Thurman’s face showed the effects of the punishment, and two judges had Fundora leading 50-45 when Taylor stopped it at 1:17 of the sixth.

Now Thurman is considering dropping back to the division where he once held the WBA and WBC titles.

“For 147, I would prefer a December date just so that I can really focus on the longevity of the cut at this age and just keep cutting nice and slow and work with my nutritionist, and I believe we could probably get there,” Thurman told Fight Hub TV.

Thurman didn’t hesitate when Paro’s name was brought up as an option.

“You want to start me off with Paro? Will you start me off with Paro? I’ll run through that. I’ll run through that at 147.”

Thurman isn’t returning to welterweight from a position of strength. His activity since 2019 consists of only four fights: Manny Pacquiao, Mario Barrios, Brock Jarvis and Fundora. There was nearly a three-year break between Barrios and Jarvis, followed by another year before the Fundora fight.

Paro would therefore be more than a test for Thurman’s comeback at 147. He would provide a measure of how much the former champion has left.

Thurman’s name still has recognition from his years near the top at welterweight. Proving he can still compete at that level is another matter entirely at age 37, with limited activity and a punishing loss behind him.