Keith Thurman vs Mario Barrios Confirmed: Date, Weight Class, and Fight Card

Former welterweight world champion Keith Thurman will finally return to action in 2022 and take on Mario Barrios in a 147 lbs collision. After suffering his sole career loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2019, Thurman remained silent on his career for a long time. Many people envisioned it to be the end of his boxing journey. However, ‘One Time’ isn’t done yet and seems ready for another title run.

That said, Mario Barrios also lost the 140 lbs WBA title and his undefeated record to Gervonta Davis in June this year. 26-1 as a pro, ‘EL Azteca’ is now hoping to revive himself with a win over Thurman inside the ring on December 5 in a PBC pay-per-view. Amid several welterweight matchups, Thurman has picked up a former super lightweight champion for his comeback plans.

It will be a strong re-start to his career after a hiatus of almost three years. In the meantime, Keith Thurman was rumored for several potential fights. But ‘One-Time’ announced his comeback a day ago and sent several fans into a frenzy.

The exact location of the fight is still undisclosed. Premier Boxing Championship has already planned their fight card and looks set to unveil massive matchups. Keith Thurman and Mario Barrios will appear in the main event and three more bits have also been added.

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A featherweight scrap between Leo Santa Cruz and Keenan Carbajal might make it to the co-main event. Besides, Abel Ramos vs Josesito Lopez (welterweight bout) and Luis Nery vs Carlos Castro (super bantamweight bout) will also happen on the same night.

How far is Keith Thurman from the title picture?

Thurman could have received an immediate title shot after losing to Manny Pacquiao if he would have remained active. However, the long hiatus will now urge him to go for another run from the bottom. The WBA title is now held by Yordenis Ugas and he will reportedly unify it against WBC-IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. in a potential fight in 2022. WBO champion Terence Crawford will also return somewhere in the middle of the next year.

It leaves Keith Thurman far from the title fights. But he can climb the ladders swiftly and can demand his shot to gold. For that, he shall come across several A-listers and beat them all in a row.

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Thurman has done it in the past and is credible enough to grab the gold again. But it will be an extremely demanding task for the ex-champion.