Boxer Mario Barrios left with disfigured nose after losing almost every round of fight

Mario Barrios lost almost every round of his fight with Keith Thurman - and was left with a flattened nose to show for it.

Thurman returned to the ring after more than two-and-a-half years on the sidelines to dominate Barrios over 12 rounds.

The former welterweight world champion was given the nod by each of the three judges - by scores of 118-110 (twice) and 117-111.

And Barrios' injuries were clear when he was interviewed after the fight, with his disfigured nose on display.

"Tonight I showed the Mexican warrior in me. I take my hat off to Keith Thurman, he’s a warrior as well. We gave the fans a great fight,” he said.

Thurman showed no sign of ring rust despite pulling on the gloves for the first time since he was beaten by Manny Pacquiao in July 2019.

“This was a comeback fight after two and a half years away,” said Thurman. “I wish I had my best performance, but I did the best I could under the circumstances. “I grade this performance a C+ or B- for myself.

"We rocked him. We weren’t able to put him down and out, but we had a great performance and a great fight.

"I want the belts. I want the champions. I want to be back on top, so whoever is willing to send Keith Thurman the contract, let’s go!”

Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz also returned after a long lay-off having not fought since he was stopped by Gervonta Davis 14 months ago.

He won every round against Keenan Carbajal in a non-title fight, and said: "I went good rounds. If I had gone in there and finished him fast, I wouldn’t have gotten the experience I needed.

"I felt the long layoff a little bit, but I did my best and hopefully the fans loved it and want to see me again.

"We’re going to go back to the gym, get better and work on what we did