Keith Thurman built a big lead over Danny Garcia and held on to add the WBC welterweight title to his WBA championship Saturday night. Thurman won his 28th straight fight and handed Garcia his first loss in 34 bouts. After five furious rounds to open things at Barclays Center, the pace slowed — even bringing boos from the large crowd at times.

But it ended with a flourish of exchanges in the 12th and final round. And with Thurman holding up two belts. Thurman won a split decision, getting scores of 116-112 and 115-113. Garcia, favored by a majority of the fans who loudly derided the announcement of the winner, won one card 115-113.

Both fighters opened up without reservation, each missing several haymakers, but also landing solid punches. Thurman's right leads were particularly effective, while Garcia, whose right eye was getting red by the fourth round, used his right hand to keep Thurman off-balance.

With each fighter capable of landing the one punch to end it, the crowd of 16,533 roared with every shot — until the sixth, when both guys got cautious. Despite all the previous action, the fans booed what clearly was the worst round of the bout.

It was nearly impossible to live up to the fury of the first five rounds, anyway, and only occasionally the rest of the way did the fight do so.

Garcia, 146.5 pounds, of Philadelphia, actually landed a higher percentage of his punches, 30 percent to 26 percent for Thurman, 146.2 of Clearwater, Florida. But Thurman was far more active, attempting 570 punches, 136 more than Garcia.

"I came up short," said Garcia, who entered the bout with a 7-0 record in world title bouts.  "I thought I was the aggressor.  I thought I pushed the pace.  But it didn't go my way.

"I thought I won and I was pushing the fight.  But it is what it is. I'll come back strong like a true champion. I would love a rematch to get these titles."