Photo by Amanda Westcott Showtime
On Saturday, March 4, 2017, Keith Thurman (28-0, 22 KO) scored a split decision victory against Danny Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs) to unify the WBC and WBA Welterweight titles at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn New York.
The twelve-round Welterweight fight headlined a two-fight telecast via Premier Boxing Champions on CBS.
Garcia, a 28-year-old former two-weight titlist, sought to retain his previously undefeates status by using his counter punching abilities against Thurman, a 28-year-old native of Clearwater, Florida.
However, Thurman’s speed, footwork and strength nullified Garcia’s counter punching abilities. Instead, Thurman spend the majority of the fight outboxing Garcia and landing straight right hands.
Thurman began the fight aggressively, but as the rounds progressed, the fight became more tactical, with Thurman winning in most of the exchanges.
By the end of the fight, Thurman was safely pedaling back and forth around the ring, while a desperate Garcia sought to shorten the distance to land punches.
“The judges are judges. I thought out-boxed him. I thought it was a clear victory, but Danny came to fight. I knew when it was split and I had that widespread, I knew it had to go to me,” said Thurman.
“I was not giving the fight away. I felt like we had a nice lead, we could cool down. I felt like we were controlling the three-minute intervals every round. My defense was effective – he wasn’t landing,” said Thurman.
“I came up short tonight. I thought I was the aggressor. I thought I pushed the pace. But it didn’t go my way,” said Garcia.
“I thought I won and I was pushing the fight. But it is what it is,” said Garcia.
Thurman is now a holder of two world title belts at 147 pounds, though some may still consider Manny Pacquaio, the current WBO Welterweight champion, the best 147-pounder in the world.
Also in the division are Shawn Porter and Andre Berto, who are scheduled to face each other later this year, along with Errol Spence Jr. and Kell Brook, who will fight for Brook’s IBF title later this year as well.
Will talent-filled vision, who will reign supreme?
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