Night of Knockouts!

Night of Knockouts: 4/22/17 Showtime Championship Boxing

As 2017 proves in every measurable statistic that boxing is back in full effect, fight fans were treated to yet another action-packed night of fights leading to two knockout victories that won’t soon be forgotten. Jermell Charlo made a huge statement in his young career as he successfully defended his WBC Super Welterweight title for the second time.

Charlo took out Charles Hatley in the sixth round with a vicious KO that should get him out of his twin brother Jamall Charlo’s shadow a bit as he solidified himself as the top 154lbs fighter in the world. Ring magazine will dispute the claim that Charlo is not the top super welterweight as they have Canelo Alvarez listed as their No. 1 contender but no lineal champ is listed due to their well-respected system of rankings.

The victorious Charlo took a huge step in his development as his technique was often flawless throughout the fight. His ability to establish distance between Hatley and connect accurately throughout the fight led to his KO. Look for Charlo to stay on top of the 154lbs division with performances like last night for years to come.

In the main event, Shawn Porter defeated Andre Berto by ninth round TKO. With both fighters coming off long lay-offs, this fight was sloppy from the start. Porter used his smothering rhino battering style that made any brawler look like a tactical boxing genius. Berto repeatedly was bothered by holding, head butts and shoving, all things to expect from  Porter fights.

As the fight unfolded to the third round, both fighters were cut from the inside head butts. Berto was the only fighter being looked at by ring side medical staff, even though Porter was cut worse and earlier in the fight. Without being able to find a rhythm, Berto was knocked down in the second and could not find his composure between rounds despite legendary trainer Virgil Hunter keeping calm and repeatedly saying “just keep boxing”. Once Porter was inside the head of Berto mentally with his bully tactics and borderline dirty fighting style, it was an up-hill battle for the former two-time world champ.

Porter kept the pressure on and the referee waved the fight off in the ninth round. In winning this title elimination fight, Porter has earned himself a mandatory rematch with WBC welterweight champ Keith Thurman. Will Thurman honor the mandate or vacate the title for a more lucrative fight is the remaining question.

Catch a full review tomorrow night fight fans on Fight Talk Tonight! Available on The 3 Point Conversion Station on Spreaker Radio Monday’s 8pm EST. https://www.spreaker.com/show/fight-talk-tonight