Jermell Charlo defends WBC title with explosive first-round knockout of Erickson Lubin in New York
Monday 16 October 2017 10:51, UK
Jermell Charlo produced a stunning first-round knockout of Erickson Lubin to defend his WBC super-welterweight title in New York.
The WBC champion uncorked a brutal uppercut in the opener and Lubin was rescued by the referee after just two minutes and 41 seconds at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Two other world title fights at 154lbs featured on the same bill as Erislandy Lara defended his WBA 'super' title with a unanimous decision points win over Terrell Gausha, while Jarrett Hurd stopped Austin Trout in the 10th round to retain his IBF belt.
But Charlo seized the spotlight with his swift demolition of fellow American Lubin, who had entered the fight with a daunting record of knockout wins.
Few punches of note were exchanged in the opening two minutes until Charlo dropped his opponent heavily with a huge right hand and referee Harvey Dock waved off the fight before helping Lubin back to his corner.
"They were giving him a lot of attention," Lubin told Showtime. "I was quiet the whole time. They said they were going to come take my title. I had to defend it. They didn't know what I was bringing into this and I think (Lubin) was worried about the wrong things.
"We're going to unify. The other champions want to fight me and I'll take any of them. Give me another title. I want Hurd. Hurd just won. Give me Hurd."
Hurd also impressed in New York, becoming the first man to halt Trout, who had taken Charlo and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez the distance in points defeats.
After a slow start, Hurd raised the tempo in the second half of the fight and Trout barely withstood a punishing assault in the 10th round,
The ringside doctor stepped in to stop the fight and Hurd declared his desire for a world title unification clash.
"We knew we were going to wear Austin Trout down in the later rounds and eventually stop him." said Hurd, who was cut by a clash of heads in the seventh round.
"My cut made me a little better with my head movement.
"Team Swift, we don't run from anyone. I'm ready to unify. 2018 is the year for unifications. It doesn't matter who it is. I'm ready to fight anyone."
Lara made a fifth successful defence of his WBA 'super' belt as he dropped Gausha in the fourth round on the way to a dominant points win with scores of 116-111, 117-110 and 117-110.
"I'm ready to box anyone that comes my way," said the Cuban. "I'm the best boxer at 154 pounds and I won't shy away from anyone that wants to fight me.
"I'll fight (Jermell) Charlo if I have to. We are friends, but business is business."
