Keith Thurman beats Josesito Lopez to retain title in return to ring

Keith Thurman made a winning return from a 22-month layoff, beating Josesito Lopez via majority decision on Saturday night to retain his welterweight title.

Thurman got off to a fast start with a second-round knockdown, withstood a big seventh round from Lopez, and regained control to improve to 29-0. It was the WBA champion's first fight since March 4, 2017, before he was sidelined first by right elbow surgery and then an injured left hand.

Both looked fine inside Barclays Center and so did Thurman's legs, as he moved well to mostly stay out of trouble against Lopez, who kept coming forward throughout the fight but often got caught with uppercuts and combinations for his efforts.

Thurman won by scores of 117-109 and 115-111, while the other judge had it even at 113-113.

The Associated Press had it 117-110 for Thurman.

Lopez (36-8) stalked all night and had Thurman hurt in the seventh round, but otherwise Thurman's speed wouldn't let Lopez get in good enough position to have enough power on his punches.