Jermall Charlo to Make First Title Defense Against Wilky Campfort
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caption here. | Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
Less than two months ago, rising star Jermall Charlo took then-champ Cornelius Bundrage to the proverbial woodshed as he dropped him four times en route to a third-round knockout. In that fuselage of destruction, the Houston resident snatched the IBF junior middleweight title from “K-9,” who had regained the belt a year earlier.
Now it’s time for young Charlo to make the first defense of his title belt.
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“I haven't stepped out of the gym since I won the title,” said Charlo. "You get the title, you defend it. That's the motto. I know Campfort is hungry and at the top of his game, but I've been training just as hard, if not harder, to defend my title. It took everything I have to get here and it's going to take everything I have to remain here.”
Campfort (21-1, 12 KOs) will look to make his first attempt at
gaining a world title a memorable one. He hasn’t yet taken on the
level of opposition as the champ has, but the Florida resident has
scored two impressive knockouts in 2015: Devon Moncrieffe in March
and Ronald Montes in September.
“I am ready to fight,” said Campfort. “I am not in this business to run. I'm not afraid of anybody. I'm coming to win a world title and achieve my dream. Charlo better not underestimate me, because I have only victory on my mind.”
Also set for the afternoon card is surging welterweight contender Errol Spence Jr. (18-0, 15 KOs) taking on veteran Alejandro Barrera.
Spence, a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, is considered among the best of the new breed of fighters coming through the ranks and that notion was demonstrated in September when he took out Chris van Heerden in the eighth. He also holds knockout wins over solid pros Phil Lo Greco and Samuel Vargas.
“I'm excited for another opportunity to prove that I'm the real deal and I'm ready for any guy that's put in front of me,” Spence Jr. stated. “This will be my first time fighting in my hometown and I'm ready to put on a show for Dallas. Nov. 28, it's going to be another man down.”
Barrera (28-2, 18 KOs) is a durable fighter in his own right but he hasn’t faced anybody on the same level as Spence. Still, the Monterrey, Mexico, fighter is confident that he can pull off the upset.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase my skills on a big stage,” said Barrera. “I am always in great shape and I plan on giving the fans a great fight. Nov. 28 I will announce myself to the world with a great performance.”
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