American superstar Jermell Charlo defeated Brian Castano in one of the fights of the year to become the first-ever undisputed superwelterweight champion in the era of the four belts.
In a highly anticipated rematch of their thrilling, controversial split decision in 2021, Charlo unloaded a monstrous short left hook that took Castano down in the 10th round. Castano wobbled to his feet again, before Charlo unleashed a vicious attack on his injured rival, ending the fight with a left hook to the body that crashed Castano to the canvas.
Five days before his 32nd birthday, Charlo’s 19th knockout made him the seventh undisputed male champion in the four-cushion era, and the first at this weight, while Castano’s defeat was the first in his career.
“This is unbelievable,” he says. “I did it for us, USA! I did it for us.”
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In a tense, high-intensity match, Charlo came out on top thanks to his incredible setbacks and significant tactical changes compared to the previous match – staying off the ropes using his footwork with great success, maintaining his reach and body to attack more.
The first six rounds were split evenly between the two fighters, before Charlo began to take control and increase the power behind his punches.
“I felt like it was my first fight,” he adds. “I was really nervous, like ants in your pants.”
Charlo – now 35-1-1 – was already the IBF, WBA and WBC Super Welterweight Champion, but is now walking away with Castano’s WBO belt. Castano drops to a record of 17-1-2, 12 KOs.
When asked what the difference was from the previous fight, Castano could only laugh and joke: “This time he hit me.”
Tim Tszyu is the mandatory WBO champion and hopes to meet Charlo in America, in what would be a huge opportunity – but a huge challenge – for the Australian boxer.
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Welterweight rising star Jaron Ennis made it 27 knockouts in his incredible undefeated career with a staggering second round defeat of previously undefeated 34 year old Custio Clayton.
Clayton had never been knocked out in his 19-0-1 career and had only been knocked out once before.
But Ennis showed his tremendous strength when a jab and an overhand right landed just behind Clayton’s ear in the second round.
“I’m just trying to perfect my craft,” he said. “I keep telling you, over and over… my slogan, ‘We go in and out like a flight’… we don’t get paid for overtime.”
Clayton managed to get up just before 10 seconds, but his balance was completely upset and he wobbled across the ring before the referee waved him off.
“I saw him get up and he fell there and I knew it was over,” Ennis said.
“Anyone can get it now, but I’m the IBF number one contender,” he declared, watching a title shot featuring three-cushion champion Errol Spence Jr.
Ennis is now 29-0 with 1 no contest.
MAIN CARD from 11 am
Jermell defeats Charlo. Brian Castano by knockout in the 10th round
Jaron defeats Ennis. Custio Clayton by knockout second round
Kevin Gonzalez beats. Emanuel Rivera by unanimous decision (96-94, 97-93, 98-92)
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