KEITH THURMAN left Mario Barrios looking like an ‘Avatar character’ following their brutal welterweight fight.
Former unified champion Thurman returned to the ring for the first time since defeat to now-retired Manny Pacquiao in July 2019.
And he marked his comeback in some style and put on an epic performance against rugged American Barrios.
Barrios was left almost unrecognisable after the gruelling 12 rounds and fans on Twitter likened him to something from the 2009 Sci-fi classic Avatar.
One said: “Mario Barrios out there looking like Avatar.”
Another said: “Barrios got turned into a Avatar.”
One added: “Barrios got that Avatar nose.”
Another added: “Mario ‘avatar’ Barrios post fight.”
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According to Compubox, Thurman landed 181 of 665 punches, with 27 per cent accuracy while Barrios connected with 105 of 492 thrown, with 21 per cent success.
Thurman, 33, said: “This was a comeback fight after two-and-a-half years away.
“I wish I had my best performance but I did the best I could under the circumstances.”
Barrios, 26, said: “Tonight I showed the Mexican warrior in me. I take my hat off to Keith Thurman; he’s a warrior as well. We gave the fans a great fight.
“I thought I made a great introduction into the welterweight division and I’m ready to fight all the big names.
“I’m always going to give the fans an explosive night of boxing and I can’t wait to get back in there.”
