The lights dimmed, the smoke rose and lasers darted through the fog as Keith Thurman (25-0, 22 KOs) approached the ring to face former champion Luis Collazo (36-7, 19 KOs) in defense of his WBA “Regular” welterweight world championship.
His reception was worthy of a main event, as Thurman’s Tampa hometown fans erupted rabidly at the announcement of his name. Chants of “Thurman, Thurman” echoed the arena even before the opening bell.
A focused Thurman stalked as Brooklyn resident Collazo stayed mobile through the first three minutes as the fighters felt each other out.
Thurman landed several hard shots in Round 2 as the crowd roared their approval. As if to even the score southpaw Collazo began pushing Thurman back attempting to land a volley of his own and was rewarded with a solid right hand to the forehead.
The pace quickened in Round 3 and the fighters alternated turns as the aggressor. Thurman continued to land more consistently however the veteran Collazo was difficult to discourage despite a mark that quickly developed under his left eye.
The rugged Collazo began pressuring Thurman persistently through Rounds 4 and 5. Thurman remained in charge until Collazo hurt him late in the round. Clearly shaken, Thurman moved and spun to avoid further damage and was caught with a right t the body that hurt him again. The bell sounded and Thurman returned to his corner for a minute reprieve.
#ThurmanCollazo pic.twitter.com/fStFLH5eze
— RoundByRoundBoxing (@RBRBoxing) July 12, 2015
By the seventh, Thurman appeared to be back in charge while the stubborn Collazo, clearly bothered by the cut pawed the blood from his eye, doggedly pursued the champion.
Between rounds Collazo’s corner assessed the damage to his eye and asked their fighter if he wanted to continue. Collazo left the decision up to his team, but made it clear that he could not see. The fight was stopped officially at: 01 of Round 8.
Being interviewed in his corner immediately after the fight, Thurman thanked God, Al Haymon and the raucous hometown crowd that came to support him before calling out Floyd Mayweather once again.
It is impossible to know what the immediate future holds for Thurman, but for those who witnessed this fight it’s likely the will want to see him in action more than “One Time.”
