Moments ago at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, interim WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman successfully defended his title, scoring a 3rd round TKO after Julio Diaz suffered a rib injury, presumably from a body shot. Although Diaz was game, Thurman was clearly in control and began landing some big shots that were taking their toll on the former champion.
Both fighters started off feeling each other out, but it didn't take long for Thurman to let his punching power be known, landing some nice combinations midway through the first round. It was clear that Thurman's advantage in speed would play a factor early on in the fight. Diaz was game, however, and wasn't shy about coming forward and trading leather.
A nice right hand from Thurman in the second round seemed to get the attention of Diaz, but he appeared to take the punch well. That was until a BIG left uppercut from Thurman rocked Diaz again, and then a counter left hook would drop him late in the round. To his credit, Diaz survived the follow-up barrage from Thurman, and when he came out in the third round, he was able to get some work done of his own. Thurman, however, was confident as he began walking Diaz down with his hands down. The action really began to heat up at the of the round as both fighters traded punches, but it was Thurman who was landing the harder shots.
Evidently, one of those hard shots that Thurman landed to the body was too much for Diaz to take as he was unable to come out for the 4th round due to an injury he sustained to his ribs.
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