by Edward Chaykovsky

USF Sundome, Tampa, Florida - In the main event of the Premier Boxing Champions debut on ESPN, Keith Thurman (26-0, 22KOs) retained his

WBA 'regular' welterweight championship with an eight round stoppage of

former beltholder Luis Collazo (36-7, 19KOs).

Thurman had some adversity in the fifth round, when he was severely hurt by a hook to the body. The punch came in the final minute of the round and he was able  to use his legs to get out of trouble. Both of Collazo's eyes were swelling up as the fight progressed and he was cut above the right eye.

Prior to the official start of the eight, Collazo said he couldn't see out of his right eye and the fight was waved off.

After the fight, Collazo explained why he asked the referee to stop it.

“I was trying to set up body shots any way I could. I saw him moving to the left and was trying to catch him just right. I wish I had more time in that round," Collazo said.

“The second cut on the top of my right eye was the worst. I couldn’t really see and was constantly wiping the blood away.

 “If I would have come out of my corner again I probably would have gotten caught with some unnecessary shots, and I didn’t need that.

 “I want to fight again for sure. Whoever my team and Al Haymon put in front of me I’ll fight. I’ll take any welterweight.

 “This was about the fans tonight. I’m glad I could come down to Tampa and give a great fight.

“Thanks to my fans for all the love and support. Sorry for letting you all down tonight, but I want to fight again so we decided not to continue.”