Keith Thurman outpoints Shawn Porter to defend WBA welterweight title
Sunday 26 June 2016 11:20, UK
Keith Thurman has successfully defended his WBA welterweight title with a unanimous points decision over fellow American Shawn Porter.
In a fierce contest at Brooklyn in New York, all three judges gave Thurman the verdict 115-113, although many spectators greeted the decision by booing.
Thurman was fighting for the first time in more than 11 months, while Porter had not been in a ring for just over a year.
Both men were exhausted at the end and, despite much annoyance from the crowd, Thurman did supply the better punches.
In all, the 27-year-old Thurman landed 43.6% of his punches while his opponent made 35.6%.
The winner from Florida said: "Defence is the key to victory. He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score.
"I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today."
But 28-year-old Porter felt he should have been declared the winner, adding: "I think I won the fight but I'm satisfied because the competitor came out tonight."
Thurman's victory makes his record 27 wins from as many professional bouts - 22 via knockouts - while Ohio's Porter has now suffered two defeats in his 29 fights.
His other loss came at the hands of Britain's Kell Brook, 22 months ago in Carson, California.
