Keith Thurman’s body held up well enough to triumph over a game Josesito Lopez to retain his WBA super welterweight world title on points following a two-year absence through injury.
‘One Time’ has overcome elbow and hand problems, and had to display a durable chin too, following a frantic seventh round. Thurman ultimately grabbed a majority decision: 115-111 and 117-109 in his favour with a 113-113 draw on the third card.
And after successfully retaining his WBA strap (his WBC crown was vacated during his layoff), regular champion Manny Pacquiao could be up next.
Lopez was dropped in the second round, but rallied to dominate the seventh in a display of courage and perseverance, but Thurman maintained his composure to convince the judges and move to 29-0.
Pacquiao, after outclassing Adrien Broner this month, has been linked with a rematch against Floyd Mayweather, but if the retired American resists the urge for another money-spinner, Thurman would be happy to mix it with the legendary Filipino.
“I would most likely definitely take the Manny Pacquiao fight this year,” Thurman said.
“I feel good. That was a beautiful fight. I’m ready to fight wherever Pacquiao wants it.”
Thurman admitted he was shaken to his boots in the seventh and whilst he admitted he was not at his best, he insisted the performance was still world class.
“He had me buzzed and shaken up in the seventh round, but I tried to stay on the outside away,” Thurman said.
“He came right for me. I said you wouldn’t see the best Keith Thurman tonight, but you’d still see a world-class performance, and I gave you that tonight.”
