Former 154-pound titleholder Jermell Charlo did about as expected on Sunday night, knocking out late replacement opponent Jorge Cota in the third round in a PBC on FOX main event from Las Vegas.
Charlo (32-1, 16 KO) spoke after the fight about that KO and his eventual rematch with Tony Harrison.
On whether he was trying to send a message
“If they don’t know me by now, they do know I’ve got some of the most power in the weight division. Tonight was something they can look at and probably put a little fear in their heart. I definitely wanted to make a statement tonight, so I definitely wanted to get a knockout. Just didn’t know which round. I told all my partners put $10,000 on each round for the first five.”
On what he might do differently in a rematch with Tony Harrison
“I’ve got to pick it up a little bit faster, give it a little better tempo. Depending on how Tony Harrison wants to take the fight, I’m going for the knockout just like I just did right now. Regardless of what the case is, I’m looking to be smart in the ring, move my head, use my defense, and come for the knockout. He’s got to fight me next no matter what, we’ve got an immediate rematch from the WBC. He knows and the world knows he did not pull that fight off.
“Honestly, listen, if you want to win a title in boxing, you’ve got to take the title from the champion. I don’t know what the judges were scoring it as — if they don’t like the Charlo twins, that’s on them. We’ll hire better judges next time.”