This was yet another busy boxing weekend, and while most people have been (rightly) focused on the stunning upset delivered by Josesito Lopez against Victor Ortiz, and the news of Antonio Tarver’s failed drug test, there was a lot of other action as well. Right here, find the latest edition of the 3 punch combo, delivering to you quick-hitting news and notes for the weekend that was, as well as some upcoming bouts as well.
Jermell Charlo Impresses:
Jermell Charlo scored an impressive fifth round knockout win over the previously once beaten Denis Douglin on the Ortiz-Lopez undercard. From the opening bell, the straight right hand utilized by Charlo seemed to land at will against his southpaw opponent. And it was the straight right hand the landed flush on Douglin’s chin in the fifth that resulted in the TKO victory for Charlo.
At only 22, this performance certainly elevated Charlo’s prospect status in the junior middleweight division. He displayed very good hand speed in addition to excellent punching power throughout the night. Charlo also showed the ability to make adjustments when needed. In the third round, Douglin forced the fight to the inside and seemed to seize the momentum.
However, in the fourth round, Charlo came back with a strong round keeping the fight at a distance and not allowing for his opponent to gain the necessary real estate to take the fight back inside. The fight easily could have taken a turn in a different direction but Charlo stayed calm and was able to regroup between rounds. He was able to realize in the midst of a competitive fight what was working and what was not working. And not all fighters, particularly 22-year-old prospects, are able to remain calm and think in the midst of some very tough moments in the ring. It’s this intangible that Charlo displayed in addition to his gifted natural ability that made Saturday night’s performance so impressive.
Omar Figueroa Continues On:
Also on the Ortiz-Lopez undercard, all action fighter Omar Figueroa easily dispensed of his overmatched opponent Alain Hernandez in the first round of their scheduled eight round fight. Though this was no more than a stay busy fight for Figueroa, I continue to love the way he goes about his business. He is an all action fighter and someone who is never in a dull fight. Even in this fight, he walked through a couple of clean punches before landing his combinations that ultimately finished the fight.
I couldn’t help watching this fight and thinking of how a fight with Ruslan Provodnikov would look. If that fight were ever made not only would it be a lock for fight of the year but, could be an instant front runner for a fight of the decade type battle.
Gary Russell Jr’s Upcoming Fight:
Sticking with the theme of prospects, Gary Russell Jr. finally returns to the ring on Saturday night to face Mexico’s Christopher Perez. Russell is regarded by many boxing fans, myself included, as the sport’s best prospect, and my opinion, he has the fastest hands in sport as of today. don’t really expect to see him long though. His opponent has never fought outside of Mexico and built a record on very questionable opposition. In his last fight Perez stopped 0-2 Jesus Guerrero in the sixth round and last year lost a twelve round unanimous decision to 9-9 Robinson Castellanos. This should be easy work for Russell but it is good to see him back in the ring.
