Charlo brotherswant more
Lions Only Promotions takes aim at bigger fights after pay-per-viewwins
As Jermell Charlo tried to wrap up his postfight interview after closing the the pay-per-viewshowwith an impressive body shot knockout of Jeison Rosario on Saturday night, he couldn’t conceal the smile
In front of him, theHouston fighter had three super welterweight title belts, two of which he had just taken fromRosario. Behind him, he had twin brother Jermall with both arms extended in the air shouting indistinguishable exhortations his way.
“Look at him, he’s hyped,” said Jermell of his twin, who earlier in the night retained his World Boxing Council middleweight title with an impressive unanimous decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. “He’s my biggest fan right now. I love him to death. He’s so happy. Lions Only Promotions. We’re getting ready to take over. We’re the new era in boxing.”
Lions Only Promotions, the twins’ own company that promotes their fights and sells their merchandise, had its name emblazoned on theMohegan Sun Arena canvas inUncasville, Conn., for the biggest night in the twins’ career.
In the ring, there’s no doubt it was a big night for the Charlos and Lions Only.
In their first pay-perview, Jermall (31-0, 22 KOs) fought someone who was
supposed to be the toughest challenger of his career and dispatched him with a scientific display of highlevel boxing. Hours later, Jermell (34-1, 18 KOs) knocked down Rosario three times, including a finishing jab to the gut in the eighth round that left Rosario flat on his back gasping for air as he was counted out.
The brothers performed, but the bigger question will be answered in the coming days when the pay-per-view receipts are calculated.
The $74.99 price tag was a little higher than most boxing pay-per-views and it had the unfortunate timing of going head-to-head against the Lakers andNuggets in theWestern Conference finals and a big UFC
pay-per-view.
“I hope this is something new for the world of boxing,” Jermell said. “If this is a new era of pay-per-view, let me be the man. I can handle the job.”
The Charlos did all they could to earn another shot at their own night. Now, they just need opponents that would help them sell another event like what Showtime billed as the “Charlo Doubleheader.”
For Jermall, there are more middleweight belts to grab, including the World Boxing Organization title that belongs to Demetrius Andrade and the World Boxing Association’s interim title held by Chris Eubank Jr.
Then, there’s a mouthwatering potential fight with Mexican hero Canelo
Alvarez, who’s known as the middleweight division’s “Franchise” champion but also is tied up in a contract dispute with DAZN, which broadcasts his fights.
“I’m the best middleweight in the world,” Jermall said. “I’ll fight the ‘Franchise.’ ”
Jermell has cleaned up most of the challengers at 154 pounds, but a fight with former champions such as Jarrett Hurd or Julian Williams would draw interest.
“It’s Lions Only forever,” Jermell said. “We’ve been doing this for a long time. Dreams do come true. This is a part ofmy dream and a part of my destiny. I’m satisfied and I’m happy.”