'Beat up some kangaroos': Former world champ's sledge as shock Aussie clash announced

American star Keith Thurman said he plans on "beating up some kangaroos" after a surprise fight announcement against Australia's Brock Jarvis.

The 36-year-old, who hasn't fought in almost three years, was revealed as the next opponent for the talented Sydney product, who is trained by Jeff Fenech.

Thurman (30-1-1) was initially slated to fight Tim Tszyu last year for the world title, but was forced out due to a biceps injury and hasn't stepped in the ring since.

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Now, the former unified welterweight world champion will take on Jarvis (22-1) inside the famous Hordern Pavilion on March 12.

Speaking via satellite at a press conference on Wednesday, the outspoken Thurman said his return to the ring was with an eye towards getting back towards Tszyu later this year.

"This is going to be one of the greatest comebacks in 2025," he said.

"Time does not take away the ability of champions. I had to do a little google on who Brock Jarvis was, how he lost against a world champion. I'm going to warm up my skills and talent, remind people of who Keith Thurman is by beating up some kangaroos.

"I'm going to fly over there, I'm going to get me this kangaroo [Jarvis] and I'm going to come back to America and I'll come get Tszyu."

Thurman has battled against some of the best boxers on the planet during his career, with his only professional loss coming against the legendary Manny Pacquiao.

Jarvis on the other hand has rarely competed outside of Australia, but is looking forward to "making a statement" when the pair step foot in the ring.

"I've watched Thurman for a long time," the 27-year-old said.

"I'm excited and I plan on making a statement. This is a big opportunity for me and I'm going to make the most of it. Originally when I got the call, I thought Keith had retired, so it was news to me. I also thought, what an opportunity for me.

"I know he hasn't knocked anyone out for 10 years, he hasn't fought in three years and pulled out last year with an old man injury.

"I'll just be a lot better when he gets here and arrives on Australian soil."

No Limit's George Rose believes the fight can make Jarvis a household name overseas.

"A victory over Thurman would unquestionably be the biggest win of Brock's career - it will catapult him into the global spotlight," he said.

"He'd be a top contender overnight in the stacked super welterweight division that featured Tim and Nikita Tszyu. Thurman's been in the ring with some of the best in the world ... is record speaks for itself but he's back again to prove he's still at the top.

"I know he had planned to do that against Tim last year in Las Vegas but we all know how that went down. Now, he's got his sights set on crushing another Australian's boxing dreams and getting back to the top of a stacked division globally."