Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe says it’s a great time for boxing, simply because of the matchups that can be made.
Ellerbe believes Saturday’s six-fight pay per view card on Showtime (7:00 p.m. ET, $74.95) is a strong start for the sport to start delivering close and competitive fights — at least on paper — now that its fully operational again during the pandemic when WBC champion Jermall Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) takes on Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) while brother Jermell Charlo (33-1, 17 KOs) faces Jeison Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) in a super welterweight unification match.
“The Charlo card is definitely a throwback event with a stacked undercard from top to bottom. That’s what the fans want to see," Ellerbe told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “The Charlos are facing great opponents who can fight. They are going to have it tough. There are no chumps in either weight class of 154 or 160. There are a number of excellent fights that can be made for them. It’s onward and upward from here on out for them.”
Much like the Charlos have options, Ellerbe has a slew of slugfests to consider for the star of his stable in Gervonta Davis as well at 130 and 135 pounds. Ellerbe guides one of the sport’s most devastating KO artists in “Tank,” who has a tough test himself Oct. 24 on a separate Showtime PPV card.
Ellerbe predicted that both Jermall and Jermell will not only win, but do so via knockout.
“Jermall is going to have the best performance of his life on the big stage on pay per view. His fight against Sergiy will bring out the best in him. This fight is not going past six rounds. Charlo will win by a spectacular KO. Derevyenchenko brings lots of experience to the table. He’s fought some really good fighters, but he hasn’t faced anybody like Jermall that is the complete package. Jermall’s athleticism, skillset and know-how will push them over the top. Jermall’s physical skill strength is going to overwhelm him.
“Rosario will get knocked out late by Jermell in the fight down the stretch. He’s on a mission to prove he’s the best junior middleweight in the world. A win over Rosario puts him right where he wants to be as a unified champion. He’ll have some more work to do after that to prove he’s the absolute best.
“Both brothers talk the talk, and walk the walk. They are just being who they are. They fight their a-- off. I love it. I’m a big fan of both guys, and can’t wait for Saturday night. I’m excited.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the LA Times, Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com.
