Keith Thurman vs. Jesus Soto Karass, 12 rounds, WBA interim welterweight title
In a typical co-main event bout that would put the winner on a collision course with the winner of the main event, this bout shapes up as an interesting poor man’s version of the puncher vs. boxer drama of the main event of the night. Thurman (21-0, 19 KO) was supposed to fight Maidana a couple of years ago, and Soto Karass (28-8-3, 18 KO) did fight him only to get KOd in the process. Neither has fought Broner yet, but the winner of this exciting bout will probably get his chance to test himself against either. Thurman’s unbeaten status is impressive considering the quality of his most recent opposition (which includes such former titlists as Carlos Quintana and Jan Zaveck), but Soto Karass is on a roll after beating a couple of former champs in Selkuk Aidin and Andre Berto, and he’ll be a tough case to deal with. Could easily be the fight of the night.
What to look for in this fight: Thurman should prevail with his more polished boxing skills, but Soto Karass is a very live underdog and the fight should be much more interesting than expected.
