With a huge right hand in round nine, Keith Thurman finished off the always-game and double-tough Jesus Soto Karass tonight at the Alamodome. Thurman (22-0, 20 KO) scored a fifth round knockdown earlier in the fight, and was able to outbox and outbang Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KO) for the vast majority of the bout, making adjustments that pushed him along to victory.
Also let's credit referee Jon Schorle for getting in there and catching Soto Karass before he could bounce his head off the canvas, which is often the most dangerous part of any knockdown. Great job by the referee. He knew he was calling the fight, and he protected the fighter.
See also: Thurman TKO-9 Soto Karass recap / GIF: Fifth round knockdown
Our live coverage continues here, and it's time for the main event. Adrien Broner faces Marcos Maidana in the final Showtime boxing fight of 2013.