Carson, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Keith Thurman stopped Julio Diaz after the third round to keep his WBA interim welterweight title.
Thurman (23-0) sent Diaz (40-10-1) to a knee in the second round and then both boxers turned in power shots in round three. Referee Jack Reiss said following the third round Diaz's corner informed him due to a rib injury their boxer would not be able to continue.
On the undercard, Omar Figueroa kept his WBC lightweight championship with a 12-round split decision over Jerry Belmontes.
Two judges scored it 116-112 and 118-110 in favor of Figueroa (23-0-1), who made his first title defense. Belmontes (19-4), who lost for the fourth time in six fights since a 17-0 start, was given a 115-113 advantage on the third card.
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