Charlo Twins Make History
Saturday night, Erislandy The American Dream Lara successfully defended his WBA Super Welterweight Championship with a hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision over Vanes The Nightmare Martirosyan, while undefeated Jermall and Jermell Charlo, became the first twins in boxing history to hold world titles in the same weight class.
The fight night was set off gloriously as Jermell Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) earned the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship by rallying from five points down to register an eighth-round knockout over John Da Rock Jackson (20-3, 15 KOs), son of former Middleweight champion, Julian Jackson.
(Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions)
Two minutes into the eighth round, Charlo, trailing 69-64 on the three judges scorecards, landed a perfect counter right hand to Jacksons left eye. As Jackson dropped his guard to insure his mouthpiece was in place, Jermell connected with two more right hands that sent Jackson falling forward into his corner. Defenseless and seemingly out on his feet, referee Tony Weeks stepped in and stopped it at 0:51.
I was behind. He was boxing, said Jermel during post-fight interview. He was moving around a lot. That was unexpected of him. I thought he was going to come out to brawl. I had to make an adjustment and I did. When he started slowing down, I was able to catch him with a shot.
His brother, Jermall Charlo, stuck to his game plan and fought behind his jab, throwing 292 of them to best Austin No Doubt Trout (30-3) with a unanimous decision victory. It was Charlos second title defense of his IBF Junior Middleweight belt.
(Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions)
The Houston-based identical twins were born one minute apart and the victories were a present of sorts as they celebrated their 26th birthday last Thursday before the weigh-ins.
It wasnt a struggle, it was a great experience, said Jermall during his post-fight interview. I want to thank God for allowing me and my twin brother to see this day. History!”
(Lara Retains His Titles, Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions)
In the main event, Cuban WBA & IBO Light Middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (27-2-2) outpointed Vanes Martirosyan (36-3-1) by the scores of 116-111 on two cards and 115-112 on the other. There were no knockdowns. Martirosyan had a point deducted for a low blow in the 11th in a rematch of a May, 2012 fight that ended in a technical draw.
Bellator: 155 Manhoef Takes An Unjustified L
Melvin Manhoef, who has been chasing a championship for 21 years, finally got his shot against Middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho and was straight robbed.
Carvalho (9-1), who would not engage the feared striker, played it too safe and looked like a rag doll as Manhoef did everything he could to take the unanimous decision. Except for one thing, he didnt.
Body kicks, takedowns and punches all detail Manhoefs offensive attack, yet he took the bad end of a split decision.
