AFP, New York :
Keith Thurman put his own stamp on the deeply talented welterweight division Saturday, beating challenger Shawn Porter by a unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Association title.
Thurman kept his undefeated record alive and showed he deserves to be regarded as the kingpin of the welterweight division, which is moving on from the retirement of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
The 27-year-old Thurman landed several solid lefts that either wobbled or staggered Porter as he won the close contest at the Barclays Center arena in New York by scores of 115-113 on all three judges scorecards.
The clash between two Americans was supposed to be held earlier this year, but Thurman was involved in a car crash on a rain-slicked Florida street which pushed the bout back three months.
Thurman, who has been on fringes of boxing greatness, is hoping this is a breakthrough moment for him as the former champion Porter proved to be the biggest test of his career to date.
Porter lost the first 12-round fight of his career. He landed more jabs (59-32) but Thurman threw more power punches (203-177).
