My dad was a kind of Kimbo Slice-type street fighter. He'd go out in the backyards up and down the Gulf Coast and duke it out. They'd wrap T-shirts around their hands for gloves, and take bets. He was a tremendous body puncher. One shot was usually all it took, so they called him 'One Time.'

The quote by Keith Thurman, "My dad was a kind of Kimbo Slice-type street fighter. He'd go out in the backyards up and down the Gulf Coast and duke it out. They'd wrap T-shirts around their hands for gloves, and take bets. He was a tremendous body puncher. One shot was usually all it took, so they called him 'One Time,'" reflects the tough, street-fighting background of Thurman's father. It paints a vivid picture of his dad’s reputation as a powerful fighter in informal, underground fights. The reference to Kimbo Slice, a famous street fighter known for his raw fighting style, helps to establish his father’s gritty, no-rules fighting style.

The origin of the quote highlights the influence of Thurman's father, a man whose fighting prowess became legendary within certain circles. By sharing his father's nickname, "One Time," Thurman emphasizes his dad’s ability to end fights quickly with a single, devastating punch. The image of his father fighting in backyards along the Gulf Coast with makeshift gloves reflects a culture of unsanctioned fighting that was common in certain parts of the United States. Thurman uses this to show how his father’s strength and skill in the ring set the foundation for his own passion for boxing.

Keith Thurman’s mention of his father's exceptional body punches and his ability to finish fights with one blow illustrates the physical power and precision that were key to his father's fighting style. It also highlights the respect he had within the underground fighting community, where skill and strength were paramount. The fact that his father earned the nickname "One Time" speaks to the efficiency and intensity with which he fought.

Ultimately, this quote helps to frame Thurman’s own boxing career by giving insight into the toughness and fighting mentality he inherited from his father. His father’s experiences in street fighting likely shaped Thurman’s approach to professional boxing, where he himself became known for his powerful punches and knockout ability, much like the legendary figure of his father.