By Carlos Costa
Former world champ Keith “One Time” Thurman (30-1, 22 KO”s), is back at the welterweight elite level with an exciting action-packed, 12-rounder unanimous decision win over younger, tough former 140-pound titlist Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-2, 17 KO’s) tonight at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, live on FOX PPV.
Getting rid from a 2-year career hiatus following his defeat by points to the one and only Manny Pacquiao, Keith Thurman, now 33, displayed skills and stamina throughout the full distance, claiming a clear and more-than-convincing victory by wide tallies of 118-110 (twice) and 117-111.
Keith’s triumph tonight at the full pack Michelob Arena was valid as a WBC Welterweight World title eliminator, meaning that “One Time” aligns himself as a real possible opponent for reigningn WBC/IBF Welterweight world champion Erroll Spence Jr (27-0, 21 KO’s); and that hot summer fight could be next?
For some fans, the big question lingers:
“Keith Thurman looked really good tonight, being so close to the good old Thurman that we all knew; but, how would he do in a title battle against Spence, Ugas or Crawford?”
Thurman against any of them would surely be one heck of a fight at welterweights.
So let’s wait to see Keith Thurman back in the ring, hopefully in a world title war.
“I’m ready. Just send me the contracts,” says the confident, smiling Thurman, a native of The Sunshine State, Florida.
Prior to tonight’s fight against Barrios, Thurman was filmed trying to bet money on himself at the Casino bookie. So 100% confident Keith Thurman was feeling about his his winning chances tonight, a win for which he had sweat hard to claim.
No doubt, the welterweight division looks better, gets more exciting with Keith Thurman in.
Congratulations Keith!!
The author Carlos Costa is a senior boxing columnist. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp 09184538152.
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