Anthony Ivey – At some point in the career of every young puncher he runs into the proverbial “immovable object”, the opponent who can just absorb bomb after bomb and fire right back. A 19 year old Mike Tyson ran into his during the 20th professional fight of his career, when James “Quick” Tillis was able to use his resilience and experience to take “Iron” Mike the distance over 10 rounds back in 86. On Friday night in Tampa, Florida a 20 yr old Keith Thurman ran into a brick wall named Edvan Barrios, and came a away with an eight round decision that defined his promising young career. Thurman entered the fight at 10-0, with only one opponent making it into the third round. Barrios, a native of Brazil, came in playing the role of the journeyman. Having previously taken contenders Luis Collazo and Jesus Soto Karass the distance, Barrios had demonstrated durability..
In the early rounds Thurman attacked in his usual fashion, patiently looking for the openings, and then firing away with powershots. Thurman landed crashing hooks, and hammer like right hands on Barrios which reverberated across the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency. Each ripping shot Thurman dug in was intended to be the last, but Barrios stood firm. By the end of the third round it was apparent that Barrios wasn’t going away anytime soon, as he actually made a mini-rally over the next two rounds stinging Thurman with some nice counter right hands. By round five Thurman, trained by Dan Birmingham, readjusted to his sturdy foe by doubling up on his jab and using his wealth of amateur experience to take the round by boxing, and would again use these tactics successfully in the sixth stanza.
Thurman would make his biggest statement in the seventh as he finally floored the iron chinned Barrios with a wicked right to the head, left hook to the body combination that brought the crowd to its feet. The game Barrios would get up to finish the round , but the eighth frame would prove academic as Thurman pressed the action while Barrios tried in vain to land a counter that would make the fight his. Scores were unanimous for Thurman at 80-71, 79-72, and 79-72. “This was my toughest fight as a pro, he came to fight.” stated Thurman. “But I stuck to the game plan, and ripped punches when I had to.” While Thurman showed the poise and ability to adapt to a crafty veteran in midfight, Barrios showed tremendous class in defeat. “You are a great talent, you are going to go far,” explained Barrios to Thurman.
“Just stay focused, and listen to the people around you.” Even Barrios’s trainer chimed in with praise. “You hit hard, with both hands. I know punching power, and I’m from Philly so I don’t impress easy.” As the evening came to a close, Terry Trekas of One Punch Productions congratulated Thurman on his performance, as Thurman and his team left the arena for a well deserved rest.
Boxing Results From Tampa
Tampa, FL: Undefeated welterweight knockout artist Keith “One Time” Thurman was taken the distance for the first time, winning an 8 round UD over Edvan Barros on One Punch Productions final “Ballroom Brawl” of 2009. Thurman dropped Barros with a body shot in the 7th, however Barros showed his experience in tying Thurman up and making it to the final bell. Scores were 80-71, and 79-72 twice. With the win Thurman goes to 11-0, 10 KO’s.
Also on the card cruiserweight Nick Iannuzzi (13-1, 8 KO’s) returned to previous form with a suprising knockout of “The Contender” alumni Michael Alexander (12-4). Iannuzzi, coming off a knockout loss to Harvey Jolly, floored Alexander in the 2nd round. Alexander managed to get to his feet by the count of 10, but was in no shape to continue and the bout was waved off.
In a battle of unbeated jr. lightweights, Nate Campbell protégé’ Cordaro Simpkins (3-0) won a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Puerto Rican slugger Edgardo Rivera (2-1, 2 KO’s).
In other action:
Sherali Dostiev UD4 over Sergio Aguilar
Lamar Davis SD4 over Roy Boykins
Manny Woods TKO 1 over Jason Wahr
Quinton Willis TKO 1 over Khristian Geraci