Boxing fans who are anxious to see Keith Thurman in the ring for the first time in more than two years may not have to wait much longer. Reports state that the former welterweight champion agreed to fight Mario Barrios on January 29.
Keith Thurman lost only once to Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao during his 30 fight boxing career. Thurman has knocked out 22 previous opponents. The 33-year-old former champion will end a 30-month layoff when he laces up his gloves to face Barrios.
Thurman felt the canvas for the first time in his last fight against Pacquiao. The knockdown happened in the first round, but Thurman fought back admirably to lose a close decision.
Keith Thurman Restarts Career Against Mario Barrios
Mario Barrios is a former titleholder at the 140-pound division. He also suffered the only loss of his career in his last fight. Barrios, a native of San Antonio, suffered an 11th round TKO to Gervonta Davis to end the 26 fight win streak he enjoyed.
Barrios is 26 years old and would seem to possess the youth and talent to give Thurman problems. But Thurman is a career-long welterweight and is battle-tested against the top fighters of his era. The former champion has victories over top-notch fighters like Shawn Porter, Robert Guerrero, and Danny Garcia.
The Keith Thurman and Mario Barrios matchup is the headline fight of a pay-per-view event promoted by Premier Boxing Champions. It is also the second consecutive fight for Thurman in which he will be the main attraction at such an event. Fans who have waited so long to see Thurman in action can only hope his fight with Barrios is as good in the ring as it looks on paper.