Keith Thurman returns to the ring after a near-two year absence against Josesito Lopez on Saturday night, determined to remind everyone he is still at the top of his game.
Thurman, (29 wins, 1 no contest, 0 defeats) fought through the pain to seal a split decision victory over Danny Garcia in March 2017 but has endured a frustrating 22 months since, forced to stay away from the ring to complete his recovery. A hand injury further delayed his comeback last year.
After that significant victory over Garcia – which unified the WBA and WBC titles – and an equally impressive win over Shawn Porter before that – the timing was wretched.
Having arguably secured his place as the new king of the welterweight division, Thurman has been forced to watch on from the sidelines as Errol Spence and Terence Crawford became champions.
The undefeated Florida fighter will be out to send a message against Lopez, who has suffered TKO defeats every time he has stepped up to fight anyone of note in a young Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Marcos Maidana and Andre Berto.
But six wins in his last seven has propelled him back into the title hunt.
Here's what you need to know ahead of Thurman vs Lopez…
Date, UK start time and venue
Thurman vs Lopez takes place on Saturday, 26 January, 2019.
Thurman is back at his home away from home; the Barclays Center in New York, the setting of his last two fights.
It’s another early start or late night for UK viewers, with the show scheduled to get underway at 1am GMT with the main event ringwalk expected between 3am and 4am.
TV channel and live stream
There is good news as far as UK coverage is concerned, however.
Thurman vs Lopez will be available to watch free on ITV4 as part of the deal between ITV and Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions which was announced at the end of 2018.
Live streaming will also be available through the ITV Hub app.
Betting odds | Provided by Betfair | Subject to change (UK and Ireland only)
Fight odds
- Thurman to win: 1/40
- Lopez to win: 14/1
- Draw: 33/1
Method of victory
- Thurman by decision/technical decision: 7/4
- Thurman by KO/TKO: 1/2
- Lopez by decision/technical decision 33/1
- Lopez by decision/technical decision: 25/1
Click here to place a bet.
Fight prediction: Thurman win via TKO
Thurman will be forgiven for showing a bit of ring rust given the length of time he has been away from the ring.
The 30-year-old will be determined however to send a loud and clear message to the rest of the welterweight division with an emphatic finish.
Undercard
Stephen Fulton vs Marlon Olea
Miguel Cruz vs Luis Florez
Adam Kownacki vs Gerald Washington
