World Boxing News quoted Van Heerden saying: "I'm a perfect matchup for Keith Thurman right now. If he were to fight Pacquiao again or Errol Spence Jr, . all southpaws, I'm the perfect guy. Plus, I already fought Spence. Keith hasn't fought in a year; It's perfect for TV. I know I will beat him."
Nathan says the matchup between the self-exiled South African and the highly rated American will be a great fight.
"Keith's loss to Manny was an upset, I believe, so he needs to redeem himself and Chris is a good opponent for that. Chris is also a fringe contender who needs such a big fight."
The man whose success has seen him win BSA's trainer of the year awards two years in succession in 2017 and 2018, added: "This is a situation of one guy wanting to get back to the top position against a guy who wants to impress. Chris must continue pushing and pushing for this fight to happen because I believe it is a fight that can and should be made."
Colin Nathan backs Van Heerden against Thurman
Successful boxing trainer Colin "Nomakanjani" Nathan has put his full weight behind Chris "The Heat" van Heerden in his pursuit for a showdown with revered former WBA and WBC welterweight holder Keith "One Time" Thurman despite the fact that the 31-year-old American is regarded as the hardest puncher in the welterweight division.
Thurman has been successful since 2007 until he tasted defeat a year ago to Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
The 41-year-old Filipino icon reiterated his all-time greatness with a stirring 12-round split decision.
It is believed Thurman wants to avenge that loss and is waiting for Pacquiao to commit.
But Van Heerden - the former SA and IBO champion from Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, who is based in California - says Thurman must look towards him if he wants to rumble with another left-hander for now.
World Boxing News quoted Van Heerden saying: "I'm a perfect matchup for Keith Thurman right now. If he were to fight Pacquiao again or Errol Spence Jr, . all southpaws, I'm the perfect guy. Plus, I already fought Spence. Keith hasn't fought in a year; It's perfect for TV. I know I will beat him."
Nathan says the matchup between the self-exiled South African and the highly rated American will be a great fight.
"Keith's loss to Manny was an upset, I believe, so he needs to redeem himself and Chris is a good opponent for that. Chris is also a fringe contender who needs such a big fight."
The man whose success has seen him win BSA's trainer of the year awards two years in succession in 2017 and 2018, added: "This is a situation of one guy wanting to get back to the top position against a guy who wants to impress. Chris must continue pushing and pushing for this fight to happen because I believe it is a fight that can and should be made."