Keith Thurman admitted that Barrios’ body hit was destructive: “If he stepped in, he could potentially take me down”

By: Hans Themistode

Keith Thurman has many reputations. Not only is he a former united welterweight champion and power puncher, he also has a definite weakness for mid-range shots.

In his long-awaited return to the ring against former 140-pound second-place champion Mario Barrios, Thurman’s kryptonite raised its ugly head. As the two spend most of their game time at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Thurman seems completely in control.

The Florida-born player boxed when he elected and pounded when there was no other option. But, with a statement being made, Thurman was forced to take a much-needed step back. After seven rounds of mostly dominating, Thurman appeared to be on his way to the bank in the eighth round. However, with only a few minutes left in the frame, Barrios connected his right hand to the middle of his man.

When Thurman felt the force of the blow, he immediately began peddling again and moved up the rope. In another, he dropped his mouthpiece and took deep breaths for air.

Although it looked like Barrios would return to their competition, Thurman regained his composure and scored a widely decisive victory. With the former fusion star winning his first contest in three years, he’s somewhat pleased with his performance. However, in thinking back to the eighth round, Thurman revealed that he knew an attack on his midfield was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.

“It’s weird,” Thurman told a group of reporters after the win over Barrios. “Backstage, I was sitting down and felt my body aching from the cup. I was like, you wouldn’t want to touch that today boy. I felt tender before I was even touched tonight. I know people talk about me and yada, yada, yada full body shots. Maybe my liver is a bit sensitive. Body shots are just different. ”

Throughout Thurman’s career, fans have seen him wince in pain as enemies attack him downstairs. During climactic head-to-head confrontations with Shawn Porter, Luis Collazo and Manny Pacquiao – Thurman was visibly sore as they made a concerted effort to focus on his midsection.

Even as Barrios competed as a welterweight for the first time in his career, Thurman wore the cap as a sign of respect for his never-ending attitude and greatness. them which he shows in his punches. While his former best card player, he admits that if Barrios stood his ground and unleashed his body blows with just a little more confidence, he would be forced to his knees.

“That hit certainly awakened a bit of sensation, discomfort and pain but it wasn’t the hardest I’ve ever been hit. If he could have stepped in a little more and dig a little deeper, maybe he could have taken me down.”

Regardless of the eye-popping shot, Thurman boxed and fought his way to a wide decisive victory. Despite the win, however, Thurman was well aware that the boxing world would continue to see his seemingly soft midsection as an obvious path to beating him.

However, those thoughts are meaningless for Florida products. While he’s been on deck twice, once against Pacquiao in 2019 and another in 2010 against Quandray Robertson – Thurman points out that neither of those instances were the result of a mechanical blow. body. So even when many in the boxing world point to his body and attribute it to a weakness, Thurman still smiles as he begs to differ.

“A lot of people with good body shots almost knocked me down but look, they haven’t taken me down yet.”