NEW YORK -- Keith Thurman fulfilled one of his childhood boxing dreams to unify world titles Saturday night in one of the year's most anticipated fights.
Though he didn't finish strong, Thurman used an effective mix of boxing and power-punching -- and put enough early rounds in the bank -- to escape with a split-decision victory against Danny Garcia and unify welterweight titles before 16,533, the boxing attendance record for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
"This is my dream coming true," Thurman said. "[Late trainer and mentor] Ben Getty believed in me before I knew that I had the ability to become a champion. He said that I was destined for greatness. He made me dedicate myself to the sport of boxing.
"I knew that today would be the day I accomplish my dreams. People know I fought my way up the amateurs. This was the first time I fought a real undefeated fighter, and I demonstrated my skills tonight. I made my team proud."
The match between undefeated, prime 28-year-old titleholders was as good as it gets in boxing, and they produced an exciting fight that was often tactical but had enough exciting exchanges to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
In the end, judge John McKaie (116-112) and Joseph Pasquale (115-113) scored the bout for Thurman, while judge Kevin Morgan had it 115-113 for Garcia.
Reported by: espn