The former Unified Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman bagged a returning win on Saturday night against Mario Barrios at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. The three judges in the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view main event were unanimous in favor of Keith Thurman by scores of 117-111 and 118-110 (twice). While on the other hand, Claressa Shields made her return to the UK with a unanimous decision win in great fashion against the previously unbeaten Ema Kozin on Saturday night. Shields defended her WBC, WBA, and IBF middleweight belts with all three judges scoring the bout 100-90 in a one-sided clash.
Keith Thurman makes his return on a high note
Keith Thurman and Barrios started out the fight on the offense. Around the eight round Thurman was visibly hurt by a body shot and even spit out his own mouthpiece in order to breathe easier.
Keith Thurman routinely rocked Barrios but was unable to floor him. Barrios, 26, bled from the nose following a left hook from Thurman in Round 4. Four rounds later, Barrios was cut along the right eye.
A left-right combination by Thurman stopped Barrios in his tracks in the 10th round. They exchanged flush punches near Barrios’ corner later in the 10th round, though neither fighter appeared hurt by any of those shots.
Barrios caught Thurman with a right hand toward the end of the 11th round. Barrios and Thurman exchanged strikes as soon as the 12th round of their competitive clash started. Barrios landed a right hand as Thurman tried to keep away from him a little later in the final round.
Claressa Shields picks up a dominating win
Claressa Shields was dominant right off the bat. In the second round, Shields landed with a straight-right and followed it up with a series of brutal punches.
Kozin tried some mind games that failed as Shields landed with another right hand as she continued to press with mean intentions in the fourth round.
Several shots to head and body continued throughout the contest but Shields was clearly desperate for a knockout. However, Kozin’s fighting spirit and courage kept her in the contest. However, Shields had the last laugh who settled for points and successfully made the title defense.
