By Keith Idec
Getting past the initial devastation of his first defeat has been easier than Jermell Charlo expected.
The former WBC super welterweight champion also feels he has become more popular among boxing fans, even though he lost his last fight to Tony Harrison. Charlo discussed his status Wednesday during a press conference in Los Angeles to promote his immediate rematch with Harrison, scheduled for June 23 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas (FOX).
“I feel like I’m the people’s champ for fans all around the world,” Charlo said. “My popularity is still growing despite the robbery. I’m gonna step into the ring and channel everything into a great performance.”
Detroit’s Harrison (28-2, 21 KOs) upset Charlo (31-1, 15 KOs) by unanimous decision in their 12-round championship encounter December 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Harrison won their highly competitive battle by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113.
“Tony knows exactly what happened in our fight,” Charlo said. “He knows he can’t beat me. I’m here to prove it again and leave no doubt.”
CompuBox credited Charlo with landing more overall punches in their fight (160-to-128). Of those punches CompuBox counted, Charlo landed more power punches (108-to-71), but Harrison had the edge in jabs (57-to-52).
Charlo had a strong second half of his fight against Harrison, but he fought from behind due to a slow start. He was down on all three scorecards entering the eighth round (68-65, 68-65, 67-66).
“I want to start fast, but not necessarily faster than last time,” Charlo said. “He might come out and charge me, and I’ll have to be on my counters. I’ll be ready to knock him out that way, too.”
However he starts, Charlo expects to regain his title next month.
“I’m dominating this fight,” Charlo said. “If he does make it to the 12th round, he’s gonna be bruised and beat down. … I’m leaving it all in the ring in this fight. I’ve got no distractions and everything is smooth heading into this one. I’m giving 110 percent. It’s gonna be ruthless.”
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.
