The last two times he fought at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Jermell Charlo delivered consecutive knock outs. In fact, he electrified the venue with a perfectly timed hybrid right hook/upper cut that parted Erickson Lubin from his senses, sending a resounding message to the boxing world a major player has emerged in the game.
Going into the fight Dec. 22 at the Barclays Center, expectations were through the roof for the paid attendance of upward of 9,000. Jermell and his twin brother Jamall not only headlined the card but also launched the landmark four-year, multiplatform agreement with Premier Boxing Champions, the promotional arm for the Charlo Brothers and a slew of other World Champion fighters, and Fox Sports.
“We are pleased to continue with Fox Sports to showcase our unrivaled roster of more than 160 of the best boxers in the world, including 60 current and former world champions in the weight divisions that most excite the fans,” says Tim Smith, vice president of Communications for Haymon Sports. “The PBC on Fox will bring the fans the best boxing and bring our boxers and the sponsors the biggest audience as we continue to pursue the goal of returning this great sport to mainstream prominence.”
The stakes were high for the fighters, because their career paths could be severally altered. Jermell once again had the venue abuzz. This time, however, his hands were not raised in victory, because his opponent, Tony Harrison, annexed the WBC Super-Welter Weight championship, a controversial unanimous decision. Visibly shaken and emotional after the verdict, Charlo assured the media at the post-fight news conference that he’ll once again ascend to the top of the division and reclaim his championship title.
“There’s a rematch clause,” he said. “We’ll be fighting within four months. I definitely feel like I won that fight. I pulled out way more rounds than he did. But like I said, it’ll be a rematch and I promise you.”
Charlo literally holding back tears, composed himself and continued, “I ain’t no loser. You know what I mean? I don’t take losses easy. I don’t even play video games because I don’t like losing. Straight up.”
Jarmall Charlo on the other hand successfully defended his interim WBC middleweight championship with a unanimous decision over last-minute replacement Matt Korobov in a very spirited, competitive fight.
Of his opponent Jarmall offered, “I haven’t been that far in a fight in a couple of years. It felt good to be in there, get hit and bang with someone. He was an experienced, tough guy who came to fight. That will make me better.”
It was easily detectable that he was affected by the decision defeat of his brother.
“The Charlos … and still [Champion of the World!]. Trust me—we’re going to grind even harder now that we know we got real haters out there. For real. That only motivates us, man. Jet fuel. Lions only forever.”
Outside of the ring and probably unspoken about was a promise Jarmall Charlo made before the match. As a fighter known for numbing power, Jarmall Charlo possesses an accurate, busy jab that not only sets up his power punches but also can send an opponent to the canvas. That essential weapon would bring some joy to some children, because the fighter promised to donate 10 bicycles for every jab landed. As the stats of the fight were submitted, the jab count was tallied at 56. While a relatively low number for a fighter, the 560 benefactors will be much appreciative.
“Make sure you get that out there!” Jarmall shouted as the news conference concluded. Got you, my dude.
Over and out. Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.