Korobov steps up for a title shot in the wake of PED’s.
One-half of the fighting Charlo brothers had an opponent change today for all the wrong reasons.
Willie Monroe, Jr. was removed from the main event against Jermall Charlo after he tested positive for a banned substance. The revelation came through VADA under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC is currently conducting a further investigation into the matter.
Middleweight contender Matt Korobov has agreed to face Charlo instead. The fighter willingly stepped forward when the call came for a replacement. Korobov was due to fight on the undercard.
“I was well prepared for Willie Monroe, who is a southpaw, so there won’t be that much difference facing Korobov,” said Charlo. “There is a size difference. He’s taller than Monroe, but I’ll just have to adjust my game plan. The best fighters in the world are the ones who are able to make the best adjustments. Beating Korobov is going to make the victory that much sweeter due to this adversity. He’s a much better opponent on paper than Willie Monroe Jr.”
Who Is Matt Korobov?
Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs), was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Juan De Angel. He has an outstanding resume that includes a unanimous decision victory over current super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui in 2014.
His lone loss came against Andy Lee in a middleweight championship fight in 2014. Korobov was ahead on all scorecards when he was caught by a right hand that resulted in a sixth-round TKO loss.
“I was training to fight on this card so I am physically and mentally ready to fight,” said Korobov. “It doesn’t matter that I am taking this fight on a week’s notice. I have been preparing for this moment my entire life. I will make a few adjustments for Charlo and make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss it.”
https://youtu.be/zTCtVdkr8fg
The 35-year-old southpaw is from Orotukan, Russia and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an amateur, he won the European Championships in 2006 by defeating reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. He was a member of the 2008 Russian Olympic boxing team and finished his amateur career with a record of 300-12. He enters this fight with four straight victories, having most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jonathan Batista.
The Charlo vs. Korobov bout is part of the final PBC show of 2018. The card features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron. Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.
Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show.
