Jermall Charlo vs Matt Korobov: Fight Preview
In a fight that was put together on a couple days notice, Matt Korobov will get a chance to become the WBC interim champion. To do that, he must defeat the undefeated, skilled, power-punching Jermall Charlo.
Korobov is getting this shot after Willie Monroe Jr tested positive for PEDs. Also worth noting is both Charlo and Korobov went back and forth throughout social media.
The Challenger: Matt Korobov
At 35 years of age, the former amateur standout has a chance to shakeup the entire middleweight division. He is a southpaw who possesses the skill-set to not only give the champion problems, but pull off the upset as well.
Korobov has been in the ring with his fair share of quality fighters.
He lost to former middleweight champion Andy Lee back in December of 2014 via technical knockout. This bout was his first and only bid thus far for a major title.
He’s also been in the ring with current super middleweight IBF champion Jose Uzcategui, winning a unanimous back in June 2014.
The Champion: Jermall Charlo
The undefeated older Charlo brother will be the overwhelming favorite going into this fight.
Trained by Houston’s Ronnie Shields, Charlo is a poised and patient fighter with exceptional power. He also has a good jab that he uses to set up his big right hand.
Breakdown
For this fight, it’s pretty much going to come down to Charlo. Does he remain patient and work behind his jab? Will he abandon the gameplan and try and get the guy who’s coming in on a week’s notice?
These are the questions we’ll get answers to.
I expect Charlo to come out looking to get rid of his opponent within the first four rounds. With the news of the WBC ordering Charlo vs Gennady Golovkin, in addition, being he #1 contender for the belt held by Canelo Alvarez, there’s no way he will waste this opportunity by overlooking his opponent.
Korobov will need to make Jermall fight a undisciplined fight, and make him impatient on offense; consequently making him vulnerable on defense.
Prediction
I see the champion getting a stoppage victory somewhere between 6-8 rounds. Too much power, athleticism and youthfulness will be too much for the 35 year-old to handle.
Unfortunately for Korobov, the days in which he dominated all comers is well in the past.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
