Fast Results From Brooklyn: No Wow Factor for the Charlo Twins

The Charlo twins, Jermall and Jermell, both undefeated, shared top billing on tonight’s PBC show on Fox at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A coin was flipped to determine which brother’s fight would be the main event. Jermall Charlo won the flip, dictating that his match would go last.

The matches were designed as showcases for the carrot-topped twins (pictured with former NFL star Marcellus Wiley), but both were extended the distance and Jermell Charlo came out on the wrong end of a controversial decision.

Jermall, who had knocked out 20 of his last 23 opponents, was matched against Matt Korobov, a late sub who was still an upgrade over Jermall’s original opponent Willie Monroe Jr. who was scratched after a urine test uncovered a high level of testosterone. A decorated amateur and a southpaw, Korobov frequently found a home for his straight left, but Jermall took control in the middle rounds and finished  the 12-round contest strong to win a unanimous decision that upped his record to 28-0. He staggered the former Russian Olympian in the final frame but couldn’t finish him off. The final tallies were 119-108 and 116-112 twice. Korobov falls to 28-2.

Jermell Charlo, who came in 31-0, wasn’t so fortunate. In a decision that flabbergasted the TV commentators and displeased many in the audience, Detroit’s Tony Harrison 28-2 won a unanimous decision to snatch away Jermell’s WBC 154-pound title. Judge Robin Taylor had it 116-112. Her colleagues Julie Lederman and Ron McNair both had it 115-113.

Jermell, who scored his best win in this ring — a sensational one-punch knockout of Erickson Lubin — was the aggressor. His best round was the 12^th when he pummeled Harrison against the ropes. Harrison (28-2) had his moments but was often reluctant to let his hands go and didn’t fight with a sense of urgency. Nonetheless, all three judges named him the winner.

A victory by Jermell was expected to propel him into a unification fight with Jarrett Hurd. Harrison is unlikely to get that assignment as he previously fought Hurd and was stopped in the ninth frame.

The TV opener was a 10 round heavyweight contest between former Olympians Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron. What had been a drab fight ended suddenly in the ninth frame when Breazeale nailed Negron with a sweeping right hook that landed flush on Negron’s ear. Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. saw no reason to count. Breazeale, who has been pursuing a match with Deontay Wilder, improved to 20-1 with his 18^th KO. Negron fell to 20-2.

Off-TV

Former IBF world lightweight champion Rances Barthelemy (27-1) stopped 38-year-old Denver trial horse Robert Frankel (36-20-1) in the third round. Barthelemy was making his first start since losing to Kiryl Relikh on March 10.

In a 10-round middleweight match, Brandon Quarles (21-4-1) won a 10-round unanimous decision over Todd Manuel (17-17-1).

Middleweight Mark Duncan 2-0 (2-0 KOs) knocked out Ray Cervera (0-4) in the opening round with a body shot.

In the opening bout of the card, Efetobor Apochi scored his sixth knockout in as many starts with a first round stoppage of Eric Abraham (5-4). Apochi, the former captain of the Nigerian boxing team, trains in Houston under Ronnie Shields.

There were two walkout fights and both ended in the first round. Middleweight Terrell Gausha (21-1) dismissed Joey Hernandez with a right uppercut. Heavyweight Efe Ajagba (8-0) blew away Santino Turnbow. Only one of Ajagba’s eight opponents has lasted beyond the opening round and one took his leave before the opening bell.

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