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Keith Thurman stayed undefeated tonight on Showtime and may have moved himself toward a true world title fight next time out, stopping rugged veteran Jesus Soto Karass in the ninth round in San Antonio, a city he properly identified in just one attempt in his second visit to the city this year.
Thurman (22-0, 20 KO) was ahead on scores of 80-71, 79-72, and 79-72 at the time of the stoppage, and BLH had him up 79-72 as well, giving Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KO) the third round due to some good body work that momentarily appeared to have Thurman a bit uncomfortable. As he did against Diego Chaves last time out, Thurman adjusted, and took over.
"You see what I do. They can take it for a few rounds, but they ain't gonna take it for 12 rounds," Thurman told Barry Tompkins after the fight.
Thurman is emerging as a legitimately interesting young contender and one who could be dangerous to anyone at 147 or 154 sooner than later. He's fearless, but not dumb. He's got a chameleon sort of style in that he can adapt to whatever he needs to do. He can overpower guys, but he can also box, and he doesn't put himself into his opponent's wheelhouse.
When asked after who he wants to fight next, Thurman didn't drop any names this time, though he's said recently he wants the Broner-Maidana winner next.
"I'd like whatever the fans like, baby. I'm here to entertain. I'm here to give the fans the best fights there is in the welterweight division. 'One Time' is gonna bring it every time," he said.