World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman was ringside on Saturday night, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as he watched two WBC champions collide in the ring. (photo by Ryan Hafey)
Jermel Charlo, who entered the ring as the undisputed world champion at 154-pounds, moved up by two weight classes to challenge Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for the undisputed crown at 168-pounds.
Canelo more or less dominated the entire contest from start to finish, with Charlo unable to make the right adjustments during the fight.
“Canelo made a great fighter look ordinary. The masterful, maestro dominance was tremendous. He willed, exerted and imposed himself against Jermell Charlo and it was impressive. From the moment the first bell rang, he brought to bear constant pressure and connected from round one, with accurate power punches to the arms, body and the head, forcing Jermell to mill on the retreat, obliging him to be reactive, rather than proactive,” Sulaiman said.
“The man from Guadalajara dominated the ring on Saturday with fine boxing, ruthlessly cutting off the ring and thwarting attempts at the classic style by his American rival, who he put under intense and unremitting pressure.”
During the seventh round, Charlo went down for the second time in his career.
He was able to weather the storm and continued the fight to the final bell.
“Charlo visited the canvas in the seventh round taking a knee, after receiving an overhand right to the temple and an uppercut, which would have finished a lesser man. He took a long deep breath, adjusted his trunks, got up and bravely fought on, trying as he might to weather a hailstorm raining down on him,” Sulaiman said.
“Canelo`s intense tempo and fabulous condition are a testament to his exceptional preparation, which was extraordinary. His trainer Eddy Reynoso must be recognized and praised for this dramatic improvement transition, by demandingly taking Canelo Álvarez out of the comfort zone and insisting the champion go the extra mile. The camp was far away from home, the golf bag was of course discarded, so the complete focus and total concentration was on the fight.
“Goals were sought, reached and surpassed. During the action, Canelo stood his ground and didn`t sit down during the rest minute of any round. It was a crystal-clear message he was going to accomplish a feat of distinction against another undisputed champion in this uniquely historic fight.”