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As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman will return to the ring to take on former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown.
The fight will headline a FOX Sports Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Both Thurman and Barrios (26-1, 17 KOs) will look to rebound from their first career defeats with statement victories.
Thurman will be returning to the ring after a 30-month absence, which is the longest of his career.
The last time the 33-year-old Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) saw action was back in July of 2019, when he lost his WBA world title by dropping a close twelve round split decision to Manny Pacquaio.
Thurman is promising to create fireworks – hoping to get back in the mix for a world title opportunity in the near future.
“It’s been a long time coming for my return to the ring, and I can’t wait to compete again,” said Thurman.
“In 2022, I will remind the world of boxing that Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman is a fighter not to forget. I look not to the past nor to the future, I’m back now, and I’m ready to fight. I dream big, and now is the time to make that dream a reality. Get ready, because I’m putting in the work to put on a show against Mario Barrios on February 5 on pay-per-view. It’s begun and my time is now.”
Barrios lost his WBA “regular” super lightweight world championship when he suffered an 11th-round TKO loss to Gervonta Davis in his most recent fight on June 26.