Thurman Gets Majority Decision vs. Lopez
In his first boxing match in nearly two years, Keith “One Time” Thurman retained the WBA’s “Super” welterweight title with a majority decision win against Josesito Lopez at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The majority decision could be considered a somewhat controversial one, as Thurman was viewed as the dominating fighter throughout the fight in the eyes of most. But it was still enough for Thurman to retain the WBA “Super” title for the second time — his first defense since winning a title unification bout with then-WBC champion Danny Garcia.
Lopez came out as the more aggressive fighter in round one, as Thurman was on his back foot — something that was a common point throughout the fight. Thurman, however, was the one who threw a bigger quality, though not landing much. This continued into round two, but Thurman got a late knockdown in thanks to a body shot. While Lopez survived, he was chased down by Thurman until the bell.
.@keiththurmanjr shows no ring rust in RD2, sending @JosesitoLopez to the canvas with a left hook @PBConFOX. #ThurmanLopez pic.twitter.com/nTLZBjwXPn
— PBC (@premierboxing) January 27, 2019
Thurman’s success continued into round three as he worked the jab well, letting it lead to combinations. Lopez answered back in the middle of the fight, making Thurman eat one to the head and one to the body. He even got Thurman’s back to the ropes in the sixth, but throughout it all Thurman continued to work the jab and distance well.
But in the seventh, Lopez rocked Thurman, forcing the defending champ into retreat with no answer. Lopez, however, was unable to get the finish and seemed to punch himself out, which affected him throughout the later rounds.
.@JosesitoLopez takes over RD7 👀🥊 #ThurmanLopez #PBConFOX pic.twitter.com/AtzH9KCaZd
— PBC (@premierboxing) January 27, 2019
After a quiet eighth and even ninth, Thurman showed himself as the more dominant fighter once again in the 10th. By that point, Thurman had just crossed the 200-punch mark, while Lopez was barely at 100.
Are you not entertained?! #ThurmanLopez #PBConFOX pic.twitter.com/kGngwiWdBB
— PBC (@premierboxing) January 27, 2019
Lopez did a lot of clinching in the championship rounds, trying to work around his exhaust and land on the inside, but to no avail.
While one judge scored the bout a controversial 113-113, the other two gave the bout to Thurman with scores of 115-111 and 117-109.