THERE was a lot of pressure on Jermall and Jermell Charlo on Saturday night. The 30-year-old Texan twins were the headline acts on a unique pay-per-view doubleheader in Connecticut.
Jermall was defending his version of the WBC middleweight title (Canelo Alvarez is the organisation’s true leader at 160lbs) against quality contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Two-time titlist Jermell, meanwhile, was putting his WBC super-welterweight strap on the line in a unification clash with WBA and IBF king Jeison Rosario.
As expected, both brothers were provided with tough
examinations by their opponents – even if the results look rather one-sided on
paper – but they passed these tests with flying colours to prove that they were
worthy of the lofty platform that they were afforded.
Jermall exhibited impressive variety and adaptability
in his fight. The unbeaten former IBF super-welter champ used his height and
reach advantages to good effect in keeping the aggressive Derevyanchenko at
bay. And when the relentless Ukrainian managed to get up close, Jermall more
than held his own on the inside. This was evidenced by Derevyanchenko’s bruised
and swollen features after the bout.
A clear unanimous points victory (118-110, 117-111 and
116-112) was just reward for Jermall’s intelligent performance.
Jermell demonstrated his power and patience by dropping
Rosario in rounds one, six and eight, leading to a KO in the eighth. He had to
withstand a spirited showing from his strong Dominican rival, in spite of the
knockdowns. Ultimately, though, his poisonous punch-picking was the deciding
factor. He too was a deserved winner.
With three of the four major 154lb belts now adorning his mantelpiece, Jermell is closing in on undisputed world champion status. Patrick Teixeira’s WBO crown is no doubt in his sights.
The supreme athletic specimens that they are, prior to
this weekend we all knew that the Charlos had all the physical tools to succeed
at the highest level. Now we know that they possess the expertise to put these
tools to perfect use, even when under the glare of an unforgiving spotlight.