Keith Thurman’s victory spices up welterweight division

Most boxing pundits were impressed by Keith Thurman’s victory over Mario Barrios three weeks ago.

But not all.

“This was a comeback fight after two and a half years away,” Thurman said during a press conference after the fight. “I wish I had my best performance, but I did the best I could under the circumstances. I grade this performance a C+ or B- for myself.”

C+ or a B-. Thurman’s honesty is refreshing, but his opinion wasn’t held by all.

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Thurman entered the ring in Sin City with many doubting his commitment to boxing. He hadn’t boxed in 931 days. That computes to almost three years. Long time in boxing. Ring rust is always a concern. Then there’s the injuries to his hand, and elbow. Not a good combination for a fighter. Think of a gunfighter unable to lift his weapon.

His commitment was questioned as well. Why? He got married. Thurman has always been different. He often waxes philosophical in a way that belies the brutality of his profession.

Had he lost his edge? It happens.

“The Greatest” Muhammad Ali was sidelined 43 months before returning against Jerry Quarry in 1970. Quarry was the number-one-ranked contender for heavyweight honors. The fight was risky.

Ali looked great for two rounds. Quarry did better in round three until a slashing Ali right opened up a deep cut over Quarry’s left eye. The fight was over moments later. Ali was back, but he’d never reach the dizzying heights of the extraordinarily-talented version of his earlier self. He’d lost a step and had to adapt. Which he did phenomenally well for the next eight years.

When Andre Ward came back after an 18-month layoff in 2015, something was amiss.

Ward admitted as much after the fight.

“It took some time to get the rust out,” Ward told www.boxingscene.com

Subtle, but there. I was ringside. I saw it.

Thurman dominates

Thurman looked sharp against the gutsy Barrios. A stinging left hook wobbled the “Aztec Warrior.” The knockout never came which bothered some. Thurman’s a rhythmic fighter. When he finds his groove, he can dominate. He’s jazzy in there, but not with overwhelming power, but precision. His jab was on point against Barrios. One of them broke his opponent’s nose. He moved well, but the layoff reared itself late in the match. Thurman, though, won going away and expressed what he desires in the future.

“I had the WBA, (belt) I had the WBC. I relinquished the WBC. Nobody beat me for the WBC world title. You know, so those belts, I want back in my possession. I do like the fight with Terence Crawford, but we’ll just have to see what opens up, what really negotiates, how stubborn we get when it comes to what kind of split there is. You know, it’s just business from here on out. I do like the fight, though.”

Crawford is undefeated in 38 fights, scoring 28 knockouts. He put away former champion Shawn Porter two months ago in Las Vegas. His performance was patient and systematic. He’s the assassin who hides in the shadows waiting for his prey to make a mistake. When he does, he attacks. Finito!

Errol Spence Jr. has held the IBF welterweight belt since 2017 and the WBC title for over two years. The last three years have been horrific and eventful for the 32-year-old Spence. He survived a brutal single-car accident in 2019. Many said he’d never fight again. Fourteen months after coming within inches of losing his life, Spence was back in the ring against former champion, Danny Garcia. Spence won going away, boxing more than what was expected. Spence was scheduled to face Manny Pacquiao last June until  a tear in the retina of his left eye postponed the fight. More surgery to repair the lobe.

He’ll be back in the ring this April against WBA titleholder, Yordenis Ugas. The Cuban native stepped in for Spence and mopped the floor with future Hall of Famer Pacquiao six months ago. Ugas kept his jab in Pacquiao’s face all night long. He clubbed him with range-finding rights. Pacquiao never wavered, but by the middle of the fight, looked all of his 42 years. Ugas has never received the respect he deserves. He arguably defeated Porter in 2020 but didn’t get the decision. He’s a tough out for any of the top fighters. Spence is favored but Ugas is one tough opponent.

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A few days ago, Thurman broke down the fight on his Instagram account.

“Spence-Ugas is a great fight,” he said. “Champion vs champion. Two top dogs fighting for the top spot.” I think Spence has Ugas on power, but Ugas has good defense and spacing. Both are big one hundred and forty-seven pounders. with great skills and it will come down to who really wants it the most. I look forward to this fight and would love to fight the winner later this year as the welterweight division is on fire. May the best man win.”

See the latest odds for Spence vs. Ugas here – Type in Spence

Will Thurman get the winner of the fight? Probably not. Spence has never forgotten how Thurman ignored him a few years ago.

Thurman is talented enough to compete with all the champions. His biggest victories have been over former champions, Danny Garcia and Porter.

Waiting in the wings is young gun Jaron “Boots” Ennis. The 24-year-old might be the most gifted of all. He’s won 28 fights in succession, 26 by knockout. If Crawford is the assassin in the shadows, Ennis is the cobra, quick and deadly. Thurman has mentioned Ennis a few times. But more in passing.

Keith Thurman has many options. He wants the big fights now which equates to big money. Makes sense. Thurman is 33.

Loss of time changes things.

Boxing needs the best meeting the best.