This Saturday, WBC Middleweight champion Jermall “Hitman” Charlo (29-0) will defend his title against Dennis Hogan (28-2-1) in Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Charlo looks to build on a 12-round dismantling of an outclassed Brandon Adams in his June main event in Houston. Meanwhile, Hogan looks to rebound from a highly disputed majority decision loss to Jaime Munguia in an April bout in Mexico.
For Hogan, this bout represents an opportunity to not only claim a title, but prove that he is a world-class fighter deserving of more big fights in the future. A victory could yield exactly that, and as a champion, not just as an opponent to an A-side.
For Charlo, Hogan may act as a final challenge on his way to competing for more world titles with the elite of the elite in the Middleweight division.
Charlo’s last two performances, though both victories, have been slightly sub-standard for the champion. A good performance for Charlo goes a long way in cementing his place as an elite fighter, which is not lost on the Houston native, who aims to make a statement with a knockout.
“You hear fighters say that they’re not going for the knockout,” said Charlo. “But I am.”
Charlo has not recorded a knockout since his bout with Hugo Centeno Jr., with his hard-fought meeting against Matt Korobov last December acting as an end to a three-fight knockout streak.
Hit Man looks to get back to his heavy-handed ways this Saturday. Meanwhile, the Irish Hogan is confident that the fight will not end with him on the canvas.
“I have the chin of a Heavyweight,” said Hogan.
Jermall Charlo and Dennis Hogan will each enter the ring on Saturday brimming with confidence and focus. Both fighters have a lot to gain, and a lot to lose in Brooklyn.
