Thurman defends crown

NEW YORK — Unbeaten Keith Thurman returns to the ring after a 22-month absence Saturday aiming to defend his World Boxing Association welterweight world title against fellow American Josesito Lopez.

It’s been a tough time for “One Time” Thurman, who last fought in March of 2017 when he edged Danny Garcia by split decision to unify 147-pound titles.

In April of that year, he had surgery to remove calcium deposits from his right elbow. In March of 2018, a left hand injury forced him to take more time off.

“The real morbid thinking and the real frustration didn’t hit until the second injury, when I hurt my hand and postponed me even further,” said Thurman. “I didn’t like the inactivity. I didn’t like being stagnant.”