No man is an island.
Jermall Charlo (28-0, 21KOs) is a man on an island, and that island just got a lot smaller. The Texas native was elevated to the WBC middleweight title this week. However, he still remains in a stalemate with recently-named WBC franchise champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Now, with Alvarez relieved of all mandatory obligations and the DAZN/PBC rivalry, Charlo no longer has a path to Canelo.
Brandon Adams (21-2, 13KOs), has primarily operated in obscurity and has yet to fight a top tier opponent. The biggest question mark regarding Adams is his experience. He’s only fought in three ten-round fights and lost two of them to John Thompson by stoppage. The other, a lopsided decision to Willie Monroe Jr.
Jermall Charlo
Jermall Charlo’s keys to victory are straightforward. He’s a boxer puncher with an excellent jab/cross. In this fight, that’s all he needs to be. The champ’s abilities are very subtle. His primary tactic is to utilize his in-and-out footwork, while drawing mistakes out of his opponents. Charlo has explosive power, and when he’s connecting, it’s eerily similar to Deontay Wilder. In this fight, the champ also will enjoy a four-inch reach advantage, so he pretty much will control Adams and exploit him when he either doesn’t get off the center line or over-commits, leaving himself open to a counter.
Brandon Adams
Brandon Adams’ keys to victory are a bit of an uphill climb. The challenger will come into this bout with a sizable reach disadvantage, and he’s less athletic. Adams will need to utilize constant lateral movement and feints. If the challenger lets the Texan plant his feet for to long or step directly to him, he could have an early night. Adams must also be judicious with his work, always jab his way in, don’t extend exchanges, and always utilize some form of control when he exits an exchange. If he can do this, he can frustrate Charlo and take rounds from him. As of late, the elder twin has shown more patience but, it’s still a weakness.
As for the conclusion, expect an early night. The gaps in experience, talent, and athleticism are just too much. Expect a spectacular circus style knockout within the first four rounds.
By: Corey Cunningham
