Tag: Jeison Rosario

Jermell Charlo locked in as his big moment approaches

Jermell Charlo seems to be well prepared for his title-unification showdown against Jeison Rosario on Saturday night.

Jermell Charlo is a two-time junior middleweight titleholder with victories over Vanes Martirosyan, Erickson Lubin, Austin Trout and Tony Harrison, among other well-known victims. He stopped the slick, experienced Harrison in the 11th round of his most-recent fight to avenge his only loss and regain his belt.

That’s an impressive resume. Yet Charlo doesn’t get the respect of fans and pundits that he feels he has earned. Why? He said it’s because people compare him to his predecessors, stars like Canelo Alvarez.

That’s a tough standard to live up to but Charlo believes he’s on his way.

The victory over Harrison was the biggest step in the process. The next – even bigger than the last – is his title-unification showdown with Jeison Rosario on a two-part pay-per-view doubleheader Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

“I think a victory in this fight gives me the respect I deserve,” Charlo told Boxing Junkie. “… I got my title back with a dominant win, with a knockout. I think a victory [on Saturday] takes me to the next level.

“This is a big moment. The [victory over Harrison] is in the past now. I want to finish what I started. I want to conquer all the belts.”

Jermell Charlo is as intense in interviews as he is in the ring. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

 

Charlo (33-1, 17 KOs) and his team understand that won’t be easy.

Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) is an unusually strong, skillful fighter who is coming off a dazzling upset of veteran Julian Williams this past Jan. 18, which ended dramatically in the fifth round. The Dominican looked sensational that night.

Derrick James, Charlo’s trainer, called Rosario “a complete fighter,” which is the ultimate compliment in boxing.

Charlo says he’s ready for the challenge and no one who has followed his career doubt his preparation. He hasn’t fought since the victory over Harrison in December – nine months ago – but he went directly into the gym he built inside his Houston home and hasn’t left since.

James said his protege arrived to start training camp for the Rosario fight “already in great shape.”

And it’s clear that he’s in a good place mentally. He believes he was cheated by the decision in the first fight with Harrison, who won by a close, but unanimous decision. He fought like a man possessed in the rematch, determined to show the judges what he thought of them and the world what he could do.

Harrison went down once in the second round and twice in 11th before the fight was stopped. Charlo walked out of the ring with his belt and overflowing with confidence.

“I learned so much from those two fights,” he said. “They taught me to be who I am. I learned in the first fight that you don’t let 12 rounds expire before you get what you want. The loss gave me jet fuel, turned me into the monster that I am.

“Now it’s time to get Rosario out of there.”

Charlo (right) stopped Tony Harrison in their rematch. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

James hesitated to trot out the best-camp-of-my-life cliché but said the same thing in different words: “This is one [camp] I really loved.”

“The focus from Jermell is higher than ever because of the magnitude of this fight, the opponent himself and what’s at stake,” he said. “He was already in great shape when we got to camp. So we’ve just built off of that from the start.

“We’re building off of the last fight. We’re reconstructing some things and he’s looking really good. He’s got his mind right, and he knows that what we’re working on will help him in the fight.

“From the first time I started training Jermell, he wanted to be in this position. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. He wants all the belts, so it’s beautiful to see his dreams manifest. It’ll all come together on September 26.”

Charlo was asked how he thinks the fight might go but didn’t answer directly, saying only that he’ll adjust to whatever Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) throws at him.

The key for Charlo is that he has no doubt whatsoever that he’s ready physically, mentally and emotionally to handle anything he encounters in the ring. That, he said, will be obvious after the opening bell rings on Saturday night.

“Me and my brother have come so far together,” he said. “It’s not just in boxing, but everything in our lives. We’re proof that all you have to do is keep pushing and trying. September 26 is the day that I have to make all of the time I put into this sport worth it.

“… All I’m doing is continuing to grow as an individual every day. We have to set our minds the right way and know how to roll with the punches. I’ve taken it upon myself to be even more dedicated and focused.

“Every time I feel pain, I think about all the other boxers out there pushing through pain. Now you see where we’re at because of it.”

[lawrence-related id=14083,13794,13452,4362,14026]

[vertical-gallery id=14045]

Jermell Charlo locked in as his big moment approaches

Jermell Charlo seems to be well prepared for his title-unification showdown against Jeison Rosario on Saturday night.

Jermell Charlo is a two-time junior middleweight titleholder with victories over Vanes Martirosyan, Erickson Lubin, Austin Trout and Tony Harrison, among other well-known victims. He stopped the slick, experienced Harrison in the 11th round of his most-recent fight to avenge his only loss and regain his belt.

That’s an impressive resume. Yet Charlo doesn’t get the respect of fans and pundits that he feels he has earned. Why? He said it’s because people compare him to his predecessors, stars like Canelo Alvarez.

That’s a tough standard to live up to but Charlo believes he’s on his way.

The victory over Harrison was the biggest step in the process. The next – even bigger than the last – is his title-unification showdown with Jeison Rosario on a two-part pay-per-view doubleheader Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

“I think a victory in this fight gives me the respect I deserve,” Charlo told Boxing Junkie. “… I got my title back with a dominant win, with a knockout. I think a victory [on Saturday] takes me to the next level.

“This is a big moment. The [victory over Harrison] is in the past now. I want to finish what I started. I want to conquer all the belts.”

Jermell Charlo is as intense in interviews as he is in the ring. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

 

Charlo (33-1, 17 KOs) and his team understand that won’t be easy.

Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) is an unusually strong, skillful fighter who is coming off a dazzling upset of veteran Julian Williams this past Jan. 18, which ended dramatically in the fifth round. The Dominican looked sensational that night.

Derrick James, Charlo’s trainer, called Rosario “a complete fighter,” which is the ultimate compliment in boxing.

Charlo says he’s ready for the challenge and no one who has followed his career doubt his preparation. He hasn’t fought since the victory over Harrison in December – nine months ago – but he went directly into the gym he built inside his Houston home and hasn’t left since.

James said his protege arrived to start training camp for the Rosario fight “already in great shape.”

And it’s clear that he’s in a good place mentally. He believes he was cheated by the decision in the first fight with Harrison, who won by a close, but unanimous decision. He fought like a man possessed in the rematch, determined to show the judges what he thought of them and the world what he could do.

Harrison went down once in the second round and twice in 11th before the fight was stopped. Charlo walked out of the ring with his belt and overflowing with confidence.

“I learned so much from those two fights,” he said. “They taught me to be who I am. I learned in the first fight that you don’t let 12 rounds expire before you get what you want. The loss gave me jet fuel, turned me into the monster that I am.

“Now it’s time to get Rosario out of there.”

Charlo (right) stopped Tony Harrison in their rematch. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

James hesitated to trot out the best-camp-of-my-life cliché but said the same thing in different words: “This is one [camp] I really loved.”

“The focus from Jermell is higher than ever because of the magnitude of this fight, the opponent himself and what’s at stake,” he said. “He was already in great shape when we got to camp. So we’ve just built off of that from the start.

“We’re building off of the last fight. We’re reconstructing some things and he’s looking really good. He’s got his mind right, and he knows that what we’re working on will help him in the fight.

“From the first time I started training Jermell, he wanted to be in this position. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. He wants all the belts, so it’s beautiful to see his dreams manifest. It’ll all come together on September 26.”

Charlo was asked how he thinks the fight might go but didn’t answer directly, saying only that he’ll adjust to whatever Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) throws at him.

The key for Charlo is that he has no doubt whatsoever that he’s ready physically, mentally and emotionally to handle anything he encounters in the ring. That, he said, will be obvious after the opening bell rings on Saturday night.

“Me and my brother have come so far together,” he said. “It’s not just in boxing, but everything in our lives. We’re proof that all you have to do is keep pushing and trying. September 26 is the day that I have to make all of the time I put into this sport worth it.

“… All I’m doing is continuing to grow as an individual every day. We have to set our minds the right way and know how to roll with the punches. I’ve taken it upon myself to be even more dedicated and focused.

“Every time I feel pain, I think about all the other boxers out there pushing through pain. Now you see where we’re at because of it.”

[lawrence-related id=14083,13794,13452,4362,14026]

[vertical-gallery id=14045]

Fighters, trainers make Charlo doubleheader predictions

A Showtime poll reveals that fighters and trainers are split on who them believe will win the featured fights Saturday.

The two featured fights on the pay-per-view card Saturday are about as close as you can get to 50-50 matchups.

Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario are both tossups, although the Charlos will be slightly favored by the oddsmakers when they step into the ring at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Consider a poll of boxers and trainers conducted by Showtime. Of 21 polled, 12 predicted Jermall Charlo will defeat Derevyanko (with one predicting a draw). It was 12-8-1. The Jermell Charlo-Rosario poll, with 28 weighing in, was even closer: 15-13 for Charlo.

Here are their picks and comments.

JERMALL CHARLO VS. SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

Shawn Porter, two-time welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo demonstrated in his fight with Matt Korobov that he has trouble with fighters who can move, box and think in the ring. So that’s what he’s up against with Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko lost two close fights to Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin, and it looked like he may have even beaten Golovkin. But in the end, I have Jermall winning this fight by a close decision.

Oleksandr Usyk, former undisputed cruiserweight titleholder and current heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is our guy and has been waiting for a title opportunity like this for a long time. His experience gained against Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin have prepared him for victory over Jermall Charlo. Sergiy by unanimous decision.

Nonito Donaire, four-division world titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo gets in there and establishes that he is the ring general, which is key going into a fight with anybody. You put your feet in cement, and you claim the ring and make them adjust to what you’re doing. Sergiy Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but Charlo is a very crafty fighter. And when he smells blood, he goes in on him, knowing how to work a fighter along the ropes and at the same time using the ring. I see him winning by a decision if not by knockout.

Jarrett Hurd, former unified junior middleweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko had a really good fight against Gennadiy Golovkin, and, in fact, I thought he won. I think that he’ll carry that momentum into this fight with Jermall Charlo, winning a unanimous decision.

Erislandy Lara, junior middleweight contender

Charlo UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko likes to come forward, and I think that plays into Jermall Charlo’s hands, who has the power to keep him honest. I just think Jermall is the better fighter with the superior boxing skills and he will come out victorious. Jermall by unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.

Tony Harrison, former junior middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Jermall Charlo will win based on his size in a tough fight similar to how Danny Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin did. I know Sergiy Derevyanchenko comes to fight, and I think it’s going to be Charlo’s most difficult fight to date, but I see him winning close, maybe by a split-decision.

Adam Kownacki, heavyweight contender

Draw: This is a difficult fight to pick, and I believe that it can go either way. I know both guys, and they’re each very tough, so I’ll say it’s going to end in a draw.

Danny Roman, former unified junir featherweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko looked very tough against Gennadiy Golovkin, and he really gave him some problems in a fight that a lot of people believe Golovkin lost. Jermall Charlo will have Derevyanchenko applying pressure on him for the entire fight, but I believe that he will use his speed, height and reach to win a split decision.

Brandon Figueroa, junior featherweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: Jermall Charlo’s going to want to go out there and perform at his best against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Charlo has power in both hands, and he’s going to show it. I believe Charlo is going to stop Derevyanchenko by TKO in the 10th.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk, former light heavyweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has great stamina, great conditioning and applies a lot of pressure. I don’t believe that Jermall Charlo will be able to maintain a safe distance for the full 12 rounds. I believe that Sergiy will be the one with his hands raised in the end, either by going the distance and applying constant pressure or winning by stoppage in the later rounds. But either way, I believe that the Ukraine is going to have another world champion.

Robert Guerrero, former three-time titleholder

Charlo UD 12: I think that Jermall Charlo wins against an aggressive fighter in Sergiy Derevyanchenko, whose style plays right into Charlo’s. Derevyanchenko is a pressure fighter, and anytime you get someone who can box, work behind a jab and deliver power like Charlo can, I believe that makes Derevyanchenko an easier target. I see Charlo winning by unanimous decision.

Taras Shelestyuk, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO: Sergiy Derevyanchenko versus Jermall Charlo will be a tough fight. Their two different styles make this fight a hard one for both boxers. I believe that Sergiy will get the victory, but he will need to stop Charlo by knockout or technical knockout. If the fight goes through all rounds, it will be difficult for Sergiy to get a victory on points.

Robert Garcia, trainer of Mikey Garcia

Charlo W 12: I believe that Jermall Charlo will win a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a very good fight. Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but the game-changer is the skills that Charlo possesses, and I believe that he will use them to outbox Derevyanchenko.

Jamal James, welterweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is the stronger fighter, and he has more skill than Sergiy Derevyanchenko as far as speed and general ring savvy as well, so I feel as if it’s going to be a wide decision, if not a knockout win, for him.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar, featherweight contender

Derevyanchenko 12: It’s a tough fight for both Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermall Charlo. I know Derevyanchenko from the amateurs, and he will pull it off in this one. But I believe it’s a 50-50 fight. The best man will come out on top.

Sergey Lipinets, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 8: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has a rugged style, and he’s coming off of a close loss to Gennadiy Golovkin, so we know he’s capable of giving people problems. But I’ve known Derevyanchenko for a long time, and he’s gotten busted up before, and Charlo places his punches really well. So if Derevyanchenko gets caught by a big punch from Charlo in the middle of the fight, it’s going to get nasty, it’s going to be a wrap, and they are going to stop it on cuts in about the eighth round.

Matt Korobov, middleweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is going to win this fight. Sergiy Derevyanchenko can put a lot of pressure, but I think Charlo is smart enough to beat Derevyanchenko.

Charles Mooney, trainer of Matt Korobov

Derevyanchenko W 12: Jermall Charlo is trained by Ronnie Shields, who I believe is the best in the business. Charlo’s jab, combinations, reaction time and defensive skills are excellent. But so are Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s, and he demonstrated against Gennadiy Golovkin that he has the abilities to dominate this fight. Still, Charlo’s a hittable target, and it takes an aggressive guy like Derevyanchenko to beat him. Charlo doesn’t have the amateur international history that Derevyanchenko has, and Derevyanchenko can really fight, so I’m leaning toward him to win a close one by decision.

Stephen Edwards, trainer of Julian Williams

Charlo UD 12: I think Jermall Charlo is too big for Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Jermall’s jab and stature will be a lot to penetrate. Sergiy has more amateur pedigree, so I expect him to score points and hold his own. But I think Jermall’s jab, size and chin will win him the fight. I think Sergiy is vulnerable early and a knockdown will be the difference. Jermall by unanimous decision.

Ivan Redkach, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO 7:  Sergiy Derevyanchenko has never been a champion and he’s extremely hungry and motivated to become one by defeating Jermall Charlo. I really like Charlo as a fighter, and as far as his style, and I have nothing bad to say about it. But I do believe that Sergiy’s pressure will eventually wear down Charlo, and that he will at some point hurt him, not let him off the hook and be able to stop Charlo somewhere in the middle of the fight, maybe in the seventh round.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, light heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a very tough, durable guy whom I know from the amateurs, but Jermall Charlo has a great boxing style. Both fighters have great chins. I believe that it’s going to be a great fight, and I think it’s going to go the distance. But, ultimately, I believe Sergiy will have his hand raised in the end.

***

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JEISON ROSARIO

Errol Spence Jr., welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: I like Rosario as a fighter, but I think Jermell is going to beat him. Rosario has been stopped before. He has been hurt before, and recently Jermell’s been showing knockout power. I feel like if he catches Rosario with a good shot, he could stop him, but I’m going with Charlo by decision.

Shawn Porter

Charlo late-round TKO: I think that Jermell Charlo is going to win this fight against Jeison Rosario. Rosario is on a winning streak, but Charlo has a mean streak, and that energetic persona works for him. Knowing that Rosario has been knocked out before, and when you’re going up against a heavy-hitter who lands straight punches and a nice jab like Charlo, I have to go with Charlo by late-round stoppage in a firefight.

Anthony Dirrell, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Anything can happen, and we know that. Jeison Rosario’s mentality in knocking out Julian Williams was unbelievable. But Rosario’s not a guy who dances around too much, so Jermell’s skills and his beast mentality will get him those belts from Rosario. I believe it will be Jermell by a split decision.

Marcus Browne, former light heavyweight titleholder

Charlo KO 12: Jermell Charlo is on a roll, but Jeison Rosario is a very tough cookie. Jermell has a lot of momentum coming off of his revenge victory over Tony Harrison, and, for that reason, I believe that he is in a zone. Rosario did stop Julian Williams on a night when he brought his “A-game,” and I believe that he can present some issues. But I see a late-round knockout for Jermell. 

Herman Caicedo, trainer Luis Ortiz and Juan Carlos Payano

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is sharper and more powerful with his punches and shows a level of calmness beyond his years. I believe he will defeat Jermell Charlo and maybe even earn a late stoppage.

Chris Colbert, junior lightweight contender

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario will be a tough fight for the first three or four rounds, but that Jermell’s clean power-punching will be too much, and Rosario will get caught with a vicious shot and be knocked out cold.

Nonito Donaire

Charlo KO 8: Jermell Charlo is in against one hell of a fighter in Jeison Rosario, who is big and tough and will make it a dogfight. But I think that over the distance, Jermell will start to catch up to him and win by eighth-round knockout.

Luis Ortiz, heavyweight contender

Rosario W 12: I think that Jeison Rosario will win this fight against Jermell Charlo. Rosario is bigger, stronger, has better punch placement and lands with harder shots. I believe that he will win a decision, if not by early knockout or TKO. It’s a life-changing event, and Rosario won’t waste this opportunity.

Tony Harrison

Charlo UD 12: As much as I don’t like Jermell Charlo, he gained my respect in our two fights. Charlo’s facing a guy in Jeison Rosario who is game and very motivated after knocking out Julian Williams. I think it’s going to be a tight fight, and I think each of them can be hurt at one point, but I see Charlo winning by a unanimous decision.

Jorge Cota, junior middleweight contender

Rosario KO 10: I know both Jeison Rosario and Jermell Charlo because I fought both of them, losing a split decision to Rosario and being knocked out in the third round by Charlo by a punch that I didn’t see coming. But even though my fight went the distance against Rosario, I felt the power of every single punch he threw, whether it was on the arms, the shoulders, the chest, the stomach or the head. I never really felt Charlo’s power until he caught me with that one punch. So with that in mind, I believe that Rosario will do similar damage to Charlo, wearing him down before finally stopping him in around the 10th round.

Erislandy Lara

Charlo KO 11: Jermell Charlo will be too much for Jeison Rosario because he is the better boxer. The fight will be competitive until the later rounds, when Jermell will score a knockout. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Jermell by 11th round knockout.

Sebastian Fundora, junior middleweight contender

Rosario late-round KO: I believe that styles make fights, and that their styles are perfect for one of them to be knocked out. But I think that Jeison Rosario has the edge over Jermell Charlo, and that it will be Rosario who delivers the knockout in the later rounds.

Andre Dirrell, super middleweight

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo will come out of this with a knockout victory over Jeison Rosario, who will bring it. But Jermell will have all the answers and make the adjustment. I’m looking for Jermell to win by ninth or 10th round-knockout.

Danny Roman, former unified junior welterweight titleholder

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a war that I don’t think will go the full 12 rounds. I believe that Rosario will win by 10th-round knockout.

Stephen Edwards

Charlo TKO 6: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison “Banana” Rosario is a tough fight to assess. I think Rosario is the better boxer. Jermell looks like the better boxer because he can use his legs and he has a good jab. But Jermell’s not hard to hit and he’s been out-boxed for long stretches by Tony Harrison, John Jackson and Demetrius Hopkins. Rosario has some skillful moves, except he just comes forward. But Jermell is clutch and he has an elite chin also. I also believe Rosario loses steam after six rounds. So look for Jermell to clip him late in a great fight. Jermell by TKO.

Kenny Porter, trainer of Shawn Porter

Charlo KO 10: I think Jermell Charlo will win this fight by stoppage against Jeison Rosario, and I’m thinking that it will be a knockout in the ninth or 10th round.

Javier Fortuna, former two-division titleholder

Rosario KO 7: I have no doubt that Jeison “Banana” Rosario will defeat Jermell Charlo and make history for the Dominican Republic. I believe that Rosario will do to Charlo what he did to Julian Williams, but that Charlo will be knocked out cold.

Kevin Cunningham, trainer of Erickson Lubin

Charlo KO 8: Somebody is getting knocked out in the Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario fight, and I’m picking Charlo to win a shootout. I believe that Charlo’s athleticism will give him the edge over Rosario, and I think he’ll stop Rosario in the eighth round.

Juan Carlos Payano, former bantamweight titleholder

Rosario W 12: I believe that Jeison Rosario is going to win against Jermell Charlo. It’s Jeison’s time, and he won’t waste it. Jeison is bigger and stronger and will walk down Charlo.

Rolando Romero, lightweight contender

Charlo KO 9: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a dogfight over the first half of the fight, but I think that as it goes on, Jermell’s just going to crack him. I think it will be a late-round knockout, probably in the eighth or the ninth. 

Michel Rivera, lightweight contender

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is my pick against Jermell Charlo. From the heart and from the head, Rosario is better at power punching and very poised in all situations. Rosario by decision or by early knockout.

Jesus Ramos, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: I see Jermell Charlo boxing a little smarter than Jeison Rosario and taking him into deep waters with his experience. It’s a been-there-done-that situation for him.

Amilcar Vidal, middleweight prospect

Rosario TKO 10: I believe that Jeison Rosario against Jermell Charlo will be a very entertaining fight, but it’s also the biggest of Rosario’s career. For that reason, I believe that Rosario will be at his best and win by knockout in the later round, perhaps by 10th-round TKO.

Andre Rozier, trainer Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Daniel Jacobs

Rosario W 12: This is a very intriguing bout. Jeison Rosario is a big 154-pounder, as is Jermell Charlo. They both have good punching power. But It will come down to a battle of wills, and I’m seeing the hunger of Jeison being a stronger force. Jeison by decision.

Carlos Negron, heavyweight contender

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo is very skilled, but Jeison Rosario is the harder, sharper puncher. As long as Rosario doesn’t get surprised with a shot, he will win by knockout in the later rounds.

Charles Mooney

Rosario SD 12: If Jermell Charlo’s mind isn’t right, he can leave a lot of openings for Jeison Rosario to capitalize on and walk away with the championships. Rosario’s a tough guy, so I’m leaning toward him to win a tough, close fight by split decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo KO 9: I think that Jeison Rosario may give Jermell Charlo some problems early due to the fact that he’s a big 154-pounder with good power. But I think that Jermell’s general experience, punching power, accuracy and ability to come on in the later rounds will enable him to stop Rosario in the eighth or ninth round. 

Eduardo Ramirez, featherweight contender

Rosario KO 9: Jeison Rosario is a younger, newer champion and more motivated fighter than Jermell Charlo. I have no doubt that he is the stronger, more powerful fighter and that he will win by a late-round knockout.

[lawrence-related id=14083,13794,13452,13706,14026]

[vertical-gallery id=14045]

Fighters, trainers make Charlo doubleheader predictions

A Showtime poll reveals that fighters and trainers are split on who them believe will win the featured fights Saturday.

The two featured fights on the pay-per-view card Saturday are about as close as you can get to 50-50 matchups.

Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario are both tossups, although the Charlos will be slightly favored by the oddsmakers when they step into the ring at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Consider a poll of boxers and trainers conducted by Showtime. Of 21 polled, 12 predicted Jermall Charlo will defeat Derevyanko (with one predicting a draw). It was 12-8-1. The Jermell Charlo-Rosario poll, with 28 weighing in, was even closer: 15-13 for Charlo.

Here are their picks and comments.

JERMALL CHARLO VS. SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

Shawn Porter, two-time welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo demonstrated in his fight with Matt Korobov that he has trouble with fighters who can move, box and think in the ring. So that’s what he’s up against with Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko lost two close fights to Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin, and it looked like he may have even beaten Golovkin. But in the end, I have Jermall winning this fight by a close decision.

Oleksandr Usyk, former undisputed cruiserweight titleholder and current heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is our guy and has been waiting for a title opportunity like this for a long time. His experience gained against Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin have prepared him for victory over Jermall Charlo. Sergiy by unanimous decision.

Nonito Donaire, four-division world titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo gets in there and establishes that he is the ring general, which is key going into a fight with anybody. You put your feet in cement, and you claim the ring and make them adjust to what you’re doing. Sergiy Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but Charlo is a very crafty fighter. And when he smells blood, he goes in on him, knowing how to work a fighter along the ropes and at the same time using the ring. I see him winning by a decision if not by knockout.

Jarrett Hurd, former unified junior middleweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko had a really good fight against Gennadiy Golovkin, and, in fact, I thought he won. I think that he’ll carry that momentum into this fight with Jermall Charlo, winning a unanimous decision.

Erislandy Lara, junior middleweight contender

Charlo UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko likes to come forward, and I think that plays into Jermall Charlo’s hands, who has the power to keep him honest. I just think Jermall is the better fighter with the superior boxing skills and he will come out victorious. Jermall by unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.

Tony Harrison, former junior middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Jermall Charlo will win based on his size in a tough fight similar to how Danny Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin did. I know Sergiy Derevyanchenko comes to fight, and I think it’s going to be Charlo’s most difficult fight to date, but I see him winning close, maybe by a split-decision.

Adam Kownacki, heavyweight contender

Draw: This is a difficult fight to pick, and I believe that it can go either way. I know both guys, and they’re each very tough, so I’ll say it’s going to end in a draw.

Danny Roman, former unified junir featherweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko looked very tough against Gennadiy Golovkin, and he really gave him some problems in a fight that a lot of people believe Golovkin lost. Jermall Charlo will have Derevyanchenko applying pressure on him for the entire fight, but I believe that he will use his speed, height and reach to win a split decision.

Brandon Figueroa, junior featherweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: Jermall Charlo’s going to want to go out there and perform at his best against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Charlo has power in both hands, and he’s going to show it. I believe Charlo is going to stop Derevyanchenko by TKO in the 10th.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk, former light heavyweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has great stamina, great conditioning and applies a lot of pressure. I don’t believe that Jermall Charlo will be able to maintain a safe distance for the full 12 rounds. I believe that Sergiy will be the one with his hands raised in the end, either by going the distance and applying constant pressure or winning by stoppage in the later rounds. But either way, I believe that the Ukraine is going to have another world champion.

Robert Guerrero, former three-time titleholder

Charlo UD 12: I think that Jermall Charlo wins against an aggressive fighter in Sergiy Derevyanchenko, whose style plays right into Charlo’s. Derevyanchenko is a pressure fighter, and anytime you get someone who can box, work behind a jab and deliver power like Charlo can, I believe that makes Derevyanchenko an easier target. I see Charlo winning by unanimous decision.

Taras Shelestyuk, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO: Sergiy Derevyanchenko versus Jermall Charlo will be a tough fight. Their two different styles make this fight a hard one for both boxers. I believe that Sergiy will get the victory, but he will need to stop Charlo by knockout or technical knockout. If the fight goes through all rounds, it will be difficult for Sergiy to get a victory on points.

Robert Garcia, trainer of Mikey Garcia

Charlo W 12: I believe that Jermall Charlo will win a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a very good fight. Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but the game-changer is the skills that Charlo possesses, and I believe that he will use them to outbox Derevyanchenko.

Jamal James, welterweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is the stronger fighter, and he has more skill than Sergiy Derevyanchenko as far as speed and general ring savvy as well, so I feel as if it’s going to be a wide decision, if not a knockout win, for him.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar, featherweight contender

Derevyanchenko 12: It’s a tough fight for both Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermall Charlo. I know Derevyanchenko from the amateurs, and he will pull it off in this one. But I believe it’s a 50-50 fight. The best man will come out on top.

Sergey Lipinets, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 8: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has a rugged style, and he’s coming off of a close loss to Gennadiy Golovkin, so we know he’s capable of giving people problems. But I’ve known Derevyanchenko for a long time, and he’s gotten busted up before, and Charlo places his punches really well. So if Derevyanchenko gets caught by a big punch from Charlo in the middle of the fight, it’s going to get nasty, it’s going to be a wrap, and they are going to stop it on cuts in about the eighth round.

Matt Korobov, middleweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is going to win this fight. Sergiy Derevyanchenko can put a lot of pressure, but I think Charlo is smart enough to beat Derevyanchenko.

Charles Mooney, trainer of Matt Korobov

Derevyanchenko W 12: Jermall Charlo is trained by Ronnie Shields, who I believe is the best in the business. Charlo’s jab, combinations, reaction time and defensive skills are excellent. But so are Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s, and he demonstrated against Gennadiy Golovkin that he has the abilities to dominate this fight. Still, Charlo’s a hittable target, and it takes an aggressive guy like Derevyanchenko to beat him. Charlo doesn’t have the amateur international history that Derevyanchenko has, and Derevyanchenko can really fight, so I’m leaning toward him to win a close one by decision.

Stephen Edwards, trainer of Julian Williams

Charlo UD 12: I think Jermall Charlo is too big for Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Jermall’s jab and stature will be a lot to penetrate. Sergiy has more amateur pedigree, so I expect him to score points and hold his own. But I think Jermall’s jab, size and chin will win him the fight. I think Sergiy is vulnerable early and a knockdown will be the difference. Jermall by unanimous decision.

Ivan Redkach, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO 7:  Sergiy Derevyanchenko has never been a champion and he’s extremely hungry and motivated to become one by defeating Jermall Charlo. I really like Charlo as a fighter, and as far as his style, and I have nothing bad to say about it. But I do believe that Sergiy’s pressure will eventually wear down Charlo, and that he will at some point hurt him, not let him off the hook and be able to stop Charlo somewhere in the middle of the fight, maybe in the seventh round.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, light heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a very tough, durable guy whom I know from the amateurs, but Jermall Charlo has a great boxing style. Both fighters have great chins. I believe that it’s going to be a great fight, and I think it’s going to go the distance. But, ultimately, I believe Sergiy will have his hand raised in the end.

***

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JEISON ROSARIO

Errol Spence Jr., welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: I like Rosario as a fighter, but I think Jermell is going to beat him. Rosario has been stopped before. He has been hurt before, and recently Jermell’s been showing knockout power. I feel like if he catches Rosario with a good shot, he could stop him, but I’m going with Charlo by decision.

Shawn Porter

Charlo late-round TKO: I think that Jermell Charlo is going to win this fight against Jeison Rosario. Rosario is on a winning streak, but Charlo has a mean streak, and that energetic persona works for him. Knowing that Rosario has been knocked out before, and when you’re going up against a heavy-hitter who lands straight punches and a nice jab like Charlo, I have to go with Charlo by late-round stoppage in a firefight.

Anthony Dirrell, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Anything can happen, and we know that. Jeison Rosario’s mentality in knocking out Julian Williams was unbelievable. But Rosario’s not a guy who dances around too much, so Jermell’s skills and his beast mentality will get him those belts from Rosario. I believe it will be Jermell by a split decision.

Marcus Browne, former light heavyweight titleholder

Charlo KO 12: Jermell Charlo is on a roll, but Jeison Rosario is a very tough cookie. Jermell has a lot of momentum coming off of his revenge victory over Tony Harrison, and, for that reason, I believe that he is in a zone. Rosario did stop Julian Williams on a night when he brought his “A-game,” and I believe that he can present some issues. But I see a late-round knockout for Jermell. 

Herman Caicedo, trainer Luis Ortiz and Juan Carlos Payano

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is sharper and more powerful with his punches and shows a level of calmness beyond his years. I believe he will defeat Jermell Charlo and maybe even earn a late stoppage.

Chris Colbert, junior lightweight contender

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario will be a tough fight for the first three or four rounds, but that Jermell’s clean power-punching will be too much, and Rosario will get caught with a vicious shot and be knocked out cold.

Nonito Donaire

Charlo KO 8: Jermell Charlo is in against one hell of a fighter in Jeison Rosario, who is big and tough and will make it a dogfight. But I think that over the distance, Jermell will start to catch up to him and win by eighth-round knockout.

Luis Ortiz, heavyweight contender

Rosario W 12: I think that Jeison Rosario will win this fight against Jermell Charlo. Rosario is bigger, stronger, has better punch placement and lands with harder shots. I believe that he will win a decision, if not by early knockout or TKO. It’s a life-changing event, and Rosario won’t waste this opportunity.

Tony Harrison

Charlo UD 12: As much as I don’t like Jermell Charlo, he gained my respect in our two fights. Charlo’s facing a guy in Jeison Rosario who is game and very motivated after knocking out Julian Williams. I think it’s going to be a tight fight, and I think each of them can be hurt at one point, but I see Charlo winning by a unanimous decision.

Jorge Cota, junior middleweight contender

Rosario KO 10: I know both Jeison Rosario and Jermell Charlo because I fought both of them, losing a split decision to Rosario and being knocked out in the third round by Charlo by a punch that I didn’t see coming. But even though my fight went the distance against Rosario, I felt the power of every single punch he threw, whether it was on the arms, the shoulders, the chest, the stomach or the head. I never really felt Charlo’s power until he caught me with that one punch. So with that in mind, I believe that Rosario will do similar damage to Charlo, wearing him down before finally stopping him in around the 10th round.

Erislandy Lara

Charlo KO 11: Jermell Charlo will be too much for Jeison Rosario because he is the better boxer. The fight will be competitive until the later rounds, when Jermell will score a knockout. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Jermell by 11th round knockout.

Sebastian Fundora, junior middleweight contender

Rosario late-round KO: I believe that styles make fights, and that their styles are perfect for one of them to be knocked out. But I think that Jeison Rosario has the edge over Jermell Charlo, and that it will be Rosario who delivers the knockout in the later rounds.

Andre Dirrell, super middleweight

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo will come out of this with a knockout victory over Jeison Rosario, who will bring it. But Jermell will have all the answers and make the adjustment. I’m looking for Jermell to win by ninth or 10th round-knockout.

Danny Roman, former unified junior welterweight titleholder

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a war that I don’t think will go the full 12 rounds. I believe that Rosario will win by 10th-round knockout.

Stephen Edwards

Charlo TKO 6: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison “Banana” Rosario is a tough fight to assess. I think Rosario is the better boxer. Jermell looks like the better boxer because he can use his legs and he has a good jab. But Jermell’s not hard to hit and he’s been out-boxed for long stretches by Tony Harrison, John Jackson and Demetrius Hopkins. Rosario has some skillful moves, except he just comes forward. But Jermell is clutch and he has an elite chin also. I also believe Rosario loses steam after six rounds. So look for Jermell to clip him late in a great fight. Jermell by TKO.

Kenny Porter, trainer of Shawn Porter

Charlo KO 10: I think Jermell Charlo will win this fight by stoppage against Jeison Rosario, and I’m thinking that it will be a knockout in the ninth or 10th round.

Javier Fortuna, former two-division titleholder

Rosario KO 7: I have no doubt that Jeison “Banana” Rosario will defeat Jermell Charlo and make history for the Dominican Republic. I believe that Rosario will do to Charlo what he did to Julian Williams, but that Charlo will be knocked out cold.

Kevin Cunningham, trainer of Erickson Lubin

Charlo KO 8: Somebody is getting knocked out in the Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario fight, and I’m picking Charlo to win a shootout. I believe that Charlo’s athleticism will give him the edge over Rosario, and I think he’ll stop Rosario in the eighth round.

Juan Carlos Payano, former bantamweight titleholder

Rosario W 12: I believe that Jeison Rosario is going to win against Jermell Charlo. It’s Jeison’s time, and he won’t waste it. Jeison is bigger and stronger and will walk down Charlo.

Rolando Romero, lightweight contender

Charlo KO 9: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a dogfight over the first half of the fight, but I think that as it goes on, Jermell’s just going to crack him. I think it will be a late-round knockout, probably in the eighth or the ninth. 

Michel Rivera, lightweight contender

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is my pick against Jermell Charlo. From the heart and from the head, Rosario is better at power punching and very poised in all situations. Rosario by decision or by early knockout.

Jesus Ramos, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: I see Jermell Charlo boxing a little smarter than Jeison Rosario and taking him into deep waters with his experience. It’s a been-there-done-that situation for him.

Amilcar Vidal, middleweight prospect

Rosario TKO 10: I believe that Jeison Rosario against Jermell Charlo will be a very entertaining fight, but it’s also the biggest of Rosario’s career. For that reason, I believe that Rosario will be at his best and win by knockout in the later round, perhaps by 10th-round TKO.

Andre Rozier, trainer Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Daniel Jacobs

Rosario W 12: This is a very intriguing bout. Jeison Rosario is a big 154-pounder, as is Jermell Charlo. They both have good punching power. But It will come down to a battle of wills, and I’m seeing the hunger of Jeison being a stronger force. Jeison by decision.

Carlos Negron, heavyweight contender

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo is very skilled, but Jeison Rosario is the harder, sharper puncher. As long as Rosario doesn’t get surprised with a shot, he will win by knockout in the later rounds.

Charles Mooney

Rosario SD 12: If Jermell Charlo’s mind isn’t right, he can leave a lot of openings for Jeison Rosario to capitalize on and walk away with the championships. Rosario’s a tough guy, so I’m leaning toward him to win a tough, close fight by split decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo KO 9: I think that Jeison Rosario may give Jermell Charlo some problems early due to the fact that he’s a big 154-pounder with good power. But I think that Jermell’s general experience, punching power, accuracy and ability to come on in the later rounds will enable him to stop Rosario in the eighth or ninth round. 

Eduardo Ramirez, featherweight contender

Rosario KO 9: Jeison Rosario is a younger, newer champion and more motivated fighter than Jermell Charlo. I have no doubt that he is the stronger, more powerful fighter and that he will win by a late-round knockout.

[lawrence-related id=14083,13794,13452,13706,14026]

[vertical-gallery id=14045]

Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive vs. Jermall Charlo

Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive than usual in his fight with Jermall Charlo on Saturday.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko has vowed to learn from his narrow professional defeats when he fights Jermall Charlo on Saturday in Uncsaville, Conn.

The 34-year-old Ukrainian has come up short in his two biggest fights, dropping a split decision to Daniel Jacobs in October 2018 and then losing on all three scorecards against Gennadiy Golovkin 12 months later at Madison Square Garden.

On both occasions, there were onlookers who felt “The Technician” got a raw deal from the judges. However, when he fights the unbeaten Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Derevyanchenko plans to leave less room for doubt in the eyes of the ringside scorers.

“Jermall Charlo is a tough fight and wonderful fight,” Derevyanchenko said in an Instagram Live session with Premier Boxing Champions.

“Yeah, I’m ready for this fight. I want to put more pressure and be more aggressive, and every round is easy. This is a good opportunity to take a [secondary] belt. I’m so proud to be in this show.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko (right) said added aggression could help him on the scorecards. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Charlo, 30, will be as tough a mountain for Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) to climb as Jacobs and Triple-G were, but he is confident that the third time will be a charm.

“It was a close fight [both times],” Derevyanchenko said of his defeats to Golovkin and Jacobs. “I see the mistakes I made against Golovkin and Jacobs. Jacobs has a good punch, and Golovkin has a good punch. And I think I need more pressure and more push. I have sparring partners that are similar to Charlo.

“Every fighter has power and a good punch. I’m ready. Let’s see on the 26th, let’s do a good fight, and we’ll see who is better. … Every fight I want to [put on a] show when people watch my fights.”

Derevyanchenko has fought into the 12th and final round in four of the five 12-rounders in his professional career while Charlo has gone the distance in two of his last three, so a long battle could be on the cards.

“My career is very long, and I have a good experience,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think it helps me in this fight.”

[lawrence-related id=13794,13452,13706]

[vertical-gallery id=14045]

Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive vs. Jermall Charlo

Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive than usual in his fight with Jermall Charlo on Saturday.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko has vowed to learn from his narrow professional defeats when he fights Jermall Charlo on Saturday in Uncsaville, Conn.

The 34-year-old Ukrainian has come up short in his two biggest fights, dropping a split decision to Daniel Jacobs in October 2018 and then losing on all three scorecards against Gennadiy Golovkin 12 months later at Madison Square Garden.

On both occasions, there were onlookers who felt “The Technician” got a raw deal from the judges. However, when he fights the unbeaten Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Derevyanchenko plans to leave less room for doubt in the eyes of the ringside scorers.

“Jermall Charlo is a tough fight and wonderful fight,” Derevyanchenko said in an Instagram Live session with Premier Boxing Champions.

“Yeah, I’m ready for this fight. I want to put more pressure and be more aggressive, and every round is easy. This is a good opportunity to take a [secondary] belt. I’m so proud to be in this show.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko (right) said added aggression could help him on the scorecards. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Charlo, 30, will be as tough a mountain for Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) to climb as Jacobs and Triple-G were, but he is confident that the third time will be a charm.

“It was a close fight [both times],” Derevyanchenko said of his defeats to Golovkin and Jacobs. “I see the mistakes I made against Golovkin and Jacobs. Jacobs has a good punch, and Golovkin has a good punch. And I think I need more pressure and more push. I have sparring partners that are similar to Charlo.

“Every fighter has power and a good punch. I’m ready. Let’s see on the 26th, let’s do a good fight, and we’ll see who is better. … Every fight I want to [put on a] show when people watch my fights.”

Derevyanchenko has fought into the 12th and final round in four of the five 12-rounders in his professional career while Charlo has gone the distance in two of his last three, so a long battle could be on the cards.

“My career is very long, and I have a good experience,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think it helps me in this fight.”

[lawrence-related id=13794,13452,13706]

[vertical-gallery id=14045]

Video: Ak and Barak: How do Charlos compare to Klitschkos?

Ak and Barak compare the Charlos brothers’ accomplishments to Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and other boxing brothers.

Twins Jermall and Jermell Charlo already are among the best set of boxing brothers in boxing history.

After all, both have won world titles and are generally believed to be among the best in the business. And they’re still writing their legacies. Jermall fights Sergiy Derevyanchenko while Jermell faces Jeison Rosario on a pay-per-view card Saturday.

In this episode of The Ak & Barak Show, courtesy of DAZN, hosts Akin Reyes and Barak Bess compare the Charlos’ accomplishments to Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and other boxing brothers.

Here’s what they had to say.

The Ak & Barak Show is available on DAZN and Sirius XM Fight Nation, Channel 156.

[jwplayer QpmSWU8T]

Video: Ak and Barak: How do Charlos compare to Klitschkos?

Ak and Barak compare the Charlos brothers’ accomplishments to Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and other boxing brothers.

Twins Jermall and Jermell Charlo already are among the best set of boxing brothers in boxing history.

After all, both have won world titles and are generally believed to be among the best in the business. And they’re still writing their legacies. Jermall fights Sergiy Derevyanchenko while Jermell faces Jeison Rosario on a pay-per-view card Saturday.

In this episode of The Ak & Barak Show, courtesy of DAZN, hosts Akin Reyes and Barak Bess compare the Charlos’ accomplishments to Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and other boxing brothers.

Here’s what they had to say.

The Ak & Barak Show is available on DAZN and Sirius XM Fight Nation, Channel 156.

[jwplayer QpmSWU8T]

Jeison Rosario: Humbling setbacks turned him into a beast

Jeison Rosario blossomed as a fighter after some humbling experiences and adopting an improved training regimen.

Jeison Rosario shared a dream with most children in his poor neighborhood in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. He wanted to play baseball, which is akin to a religion in the Caribbean nation.

One problem: “I was scared of the ball coming at me,” he said through a translator on The PBC Podcast.

Scared of the ball? That’s ironic given that he is now one of the most-feared sluggers in boxing, a world champion who could climb onto pound-for-pound lists if he beats Jermell Charlo in a 154-pound title-unification bout on Saturday.

And for the sake of clarification: He was afraid of the ball, not the other kids. Rosario was a brash street fighter who thought he was indestructible until one day when he walked past a boxing gym.

It would be the first of several humbling experiences that would shape him as a fighter and a person.

“I liked to fight in the street,” he said. “I thought I was the best, the toughest in the street. One time I walked by the gym. Some kids with a little more experience were sparring. … I got permission to put the gloves on and I got my ass whooped really bad.

“My pride brought me back. And a couple of weeks after I started training, I went in with the same kid and whooped him.”

Jeison Rosario (right) overwhelmed Julian Williams in January. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) has been whooping people ever since. He won his first 12 professional bouts – 10 by knockout – to set up a fight with hard-punching middleweight Nathaniel Gallimore in April 2017 in Las Vegas, Rosario’s first fight outside the D.R.

The arrogant kid fought Gallimore that day, the kid who thought he was the biggest, strongest and baddest but turned out to be less than he thought. Gallimore put him down three times in Round 6, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

That was his second humbling experience.

“I had a big ego,” he said. “I thought I was stronger than anybody, bigger than anybody, a harder puncher than anybody. So my ego was up. God doesn’t see ego as a good thing. So God punished me for my ego.

“… You saw what happened. Actually it was perfect timing for me to get humble, to train the right way. It was a blessing for me.”

Rosario had to endure one more humbling experience for his career to take flight. He went 6-0-1 in his next seven fights – and avenged a draw with Mark Hernandez in the rematch – which set up a fight with tough Mexican Jorge Cota in April of last year.

Rosario eked out a split-decision victory that indicated to him and his team that changes were necessary. Manager Sampson Lewkowicz, well aware of his fighter’s potential, suggested he work with world-class trainer Luis “Chiro” Perez in Miami.

Rosario took two of the four major junior middleweight belts from Williams. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

It was a marriage made in boxing heaven. Turns out that Rosario, even though he was 18-1-1 and a contender, trained more like a journeyman than a contender. That changed with Perez.

“It was very hard,” he said. “My manager always told me that to cross over to the next level I need to come here to the United States, with my trainer Luis Perez. [Before] I was going from my house to the gym with my wife and kids. There was no proper [discipline], no proper anything.

“… Thank God I came here. You saw the result of my fight with Julian Williams.”

Indeed, Rosario went from relatively anonymous contender to an absolute sensation from one fight to the next. Williams, coming off a huge victory over Jarrett Hurd to win two major titles, didn’t last five full rounds with Rosario this past January.

The victory was both a stunning upset and the arrival of a potential star. If he beats Charlo on pay-per-view – particularly if he does it convincingly – he will be a prime candidate to be named 2020 Fighter of the Year.

That street kid has come a long way.

“We put our life in danger to improve economically for our families,” he said. “Other than that, what has changed for me is that people in my country didn’t believe I could compete at this level. Now they’re starting to believe.”

We all believe.

[lawrence-related id=5362,5288,13794,13706]

Jeison Rosario: Humbling setbacks turned him into a beast

Jeison Rosario blossomed as a fighter after some humbling experiences and adopting an improved training regimen.

Jeison Rosario shared a dream with most children in his poor neighborhood in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. He wanted to play baseball, which is akin to a religion in the Caribbean nation.

One problem: “I was scared of the ball coming at me,” he said through a translator on The PBC Podcast.

Scared of the ball? That’s ironic given that he is now one of the most-feared sluggers in boxing, a world champion who could climb onto pound-for-pound lists if he beats Jermell Charlo in a 154-pound title-unification bout on Saturday.

And for the sake of clarification: He was afraid of the ball, not the other kids. Rosario was a brash street fighter who thought he was indestructible until one day when he walked past a boxing gym.

It would be the first of several humbling experiences that would shape him as a fighter and a person.

“I liked to fight in the street,” he said. “I thought I was the best, the toughest in the street. One time I walked by the gym. Some kids with a little more experience were sparring. … I got permission to put the gloves on and I got my ass whooped really bad.

“My pride brought me back. And a couple of weeks after I started training, I went in with the same kid and whooped him.”

Jeison Rosario (right) overwhelmed Julian Williams in January. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) has been whooping people ever since. He won his first 12 professional bouts – 10 by knockout – to set up a fight with hard-punching middleweight Nathaniel Gallimore in April 2017 in Las Vegas, Rosario’s first fight outside the D.R.

The arrogant kid fought Gallimore that day, the kid who thought he was the biggest, strongest and baddest but turned out to be less than he thought. Gallimore put him down three times in Round 6, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

That was his second humbling experience.

“I had a big ego,” he said. “I thought I was stronger than anybody, bigger than anybody, a harder puncher than anybody. So my ego was up. God doesn’t see ego as a good thing. So God punished me for my ego.

“… You saw what happened. Actually it was perfect timing for me to get humble, to train the right way. It was a blessing for me.”

Rosario had to endure one more humbling experience for his career to take flight. He went 6-0-1 in his next seven fights – and avenged a draw with Mark Hernandez in the rematch – which set up a fight with tough Mexican Jorge Cota in April of last year.

Rosario eked out a split-decision victory that indicated to him and his team that changes were necessary. Manager Sampson Lewkowicz, well aware of his fighter’s potential, suggested he work with world-class trainer Luis “Chiro” Perez in Miami.

Rosario took two of the four major junior middleweight belts from Williams. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

It was a marriage made in boxing heaven. Turns out that Rosario, even though he was 18-1-1 and a contender, trained more like a journeyman than a contender. That changed with Perez.

“It was very hard,” he said. “My manager always told me that to cross over to the next level I need to come here to the United States, with my trainer Luis Perez. [Before] I was going from my house to the gym with my wife and kids. There was no proper [discipline], no proper anything.

“… Thank God I came here. You saw the result of my fight with Julian Williams.”

Indeed, Rosario went from relatively anonymous contender to an absolute sensation from one fight to the next. Williams, coming off a huge victory over Jarrett Hurd to win two major titles, didn’t last five full rounds with Rosario this past January.

The victory was both a stunning upset and the arrival of a potential star. If he beats Charlo on pay-per-view – particularly if he does it convincingly – he will be a prime candidate to be named 2020 Fighter of the Year.

That street kid has come a long way.

“We put our life in danger to improve economically for our families,” he said. “Other than that, what has changed for me is that people in my country didn’t believe I could compete at this level. Now they’re starting to believe.”

We all believe.

[lawrence-related id=5362,5288,13794,13706]