Editors Note: This fight is now in jeopardy due to legal issues surrounding Carlos Molina.
By Jackie Kallen
They grow everything bigger and better in Texas. Including boxers. Take a look at 6′ tall Light Middleweight Jermall Charlo. The 25-year old, undefeated prospect stands tall above most of his division. From 5’7″ Miguel Cotto to 5’8″ Floyd Mayweather to 5’9 Canelo Alvarez, Charlo stands taller and more powerful looking.
He faces off against IBF champ Carlos Molina Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Vegas on the undercard of Angulo/Alvarez. This is a big step up for the 17-0 Charlo, who has never been in a boxing ring for more than seven rounds as a pro. He has never even gone 8 or 10 rounds and is about to take on a 12-round contest. Good for him. Sometimes you have to just take a chance.
With a dazzling KO rate of 76%, Charlo has his punching power going for him as well as a hell of a good jab. He hasn’t fought any names of glory, but who has after only 17 fights? He appears to be progressing nicely.
Molina, on the other hand, is a 30-year old veteran who has been in the ring with the likes of Cory Spinks, Ishe Smith, James Kirkland and Kermit Cintron. He is not a heavy hitter, having only 6 KOs under his belt, but he can box and he has a very effective jab. He will be defending his title with all he’s got.
Charlo, a bright light in an exciting division, will no doubt find this fight to be a good learning experience. Molina has had 29 pro fights and has been involved in four 12-round contests. He has fought in big arenas before and is not influenced by the size of the event. He will take Charlo to the limit and see what he’s made of.
In his last fight, six months ago, Molina won an impressive fight against Ishe Smith. It was a split decision, but two of the judges had him winning by wide margins. Charlo’s last fight was in December against journeyman Joseph De los Santos. Charlo stopped him in the fifth round.
It’s always interesting to see a young, eager prospect go for his first title. In Charlo’s case, Molina may be just what the doctor ordered. He will most likely not stop Charlo, and it should be an action-filled fight with lots of movement. A fight like this can only make Charlo a better fighter.
I can see Charlo stopping Molina in round 8-11. If it does go the distance, Molina has a chance. But staying away from Charlo’s power for 12 rounds will be quite a task.