Boxing used to be one of the most popular sports in America.

Ranked just behind Major League Baseball, boxing dominated much of the 20th century for sports fans. High profile boxers such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, George Foreman and Sugar Ray Robinson highlighted the 1900s.

However, 21st century boxing has been ruled more by smaller fighters. Fighters such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have controlled the welterweight division, but unfortunately, we never got to -- and probably never will -- see the two face off.

Yet, even though a Pacquiao fight is missing from Mayweather's resume, a fight against Keith Thurmon would certainly be impressive.

And it's a fight Thurmon deserves.

Floyd Mayweather is currently the No. 1 ranked boxer in the welterweight division. "Money" Mayweather is 46-0 in his career and his next fight is set for Sep. 13, a rematch against Marcos Maidana. It's no surprise that this fight will once again take place at the MGM Grand Casino, as his previous 11 fights have all taken place in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Thurman is ranked No. 8 in the welterweight division, but most people believe he is being severely underrated. He's a very hard hitter and has a high endurance. "One Time" is just 25 years old and is 23-0 in his young career with one no decision. His next fight is expected to be against Roberto Garcia, but no date has been set between the two.

Thurmon and Mayweather would be a great fight to watch. Mayweather may lack power, but he does have high speed and athleticism to match Thurman's strength. Even though paper view ratings have been high in recent Mayweather fights, many boxing fans are still looking for a worthy contender to face Mayweather. Do we really want to see another Maidana-Mayweather snoozefest?

How can the Mayweather camp argue that Thurmon isn't "qualified" to face the champ when Mayweather is facing fighters such as Maidana, Saul Alverez and Robert Guerrero?

Mayweather has shown time and time again he is a brilliant businessman. He knows which boxers to avoid and who to face. For years, talks went on between the Mayweather and Pacquiao camps, but never did a fight occur between the two. Pacquiao was named the fighter of the decade for the 2000s, and is still the No. 2 ranked welterweight boxer. With Mayweather not wanting any piece of the No. 2 ranked fighter in his division, options have to expand.

The 25-year-old Thurman has 21 knockouts in his 24 fights as a professional. Mayweather has just 26 knockouts in 46 fights. Nobody is going to confuse Thurman for Mike Tyson, but his knockout ability and power is among the best in his weight class. Is "Pretty Boy Floyd" afraid of getting cut by Thurman?

Mayweather only has one knockout in the last seven years: the infamous "no look hit" against Victor Ortiz in 2011.

A Mayweather-Thurman fight would not just fill the stands and explode the ratings, it would be a win-win situation for both fighters. Thurman can show off his talents against the Welterweight champion of the world in front of everyone. Even if he loses, a rematch could still follow, just as Ali did with Frazier twice afterwards. For Mayweather, this would be a perfect opportunity to silence the doubters. A victory against Thurman would look great on his path to 50-0. Even if Mayweather did lose such a fight, he would gain a lot of respect in the process.

For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter


FOR MORE BOXING NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.