Jermell Charlo knocks out Brian Castano; makes history

Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano fought for the title of undisputed super welterweight champion in one of the most contentious and exciting fights of 2021.

Charlo ensured that there would be no more contested decisions by dropping Castano twice in the tenth round to win by knockout and become the undisputed super-welterweight champion from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Charlo was leading 87-84 in the tenth round.

Throughout the first half of the bout, Charlo and Castano engaged in a back-and-forth battle, with neither man taking a back seat.

So, who would make the adjustments in the second half to emerge victorious from California?

It was Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs). The 31-year-old began to wait on his shots, firing power shots that were wearing Castano down, and setting everything up with the jab.

Castano was at a loss for what to do, and as the battle progressed towards the championship rounds, his activity slowed.

Charlo and Castano were in close range in the tenth round when the former hit a short left hook.

Castano appeared to take the punch well, but his reaction was delayed, and the Argentine fell to the canvas. Castano regained his footing, but he remained wobbly and disoriented.

The fight should have ended there, but the referee allowed it to continue. Charlo leapt like a shark as he scented blood in the water.

Castano was knocked back to the ropes by a right hand. With a left uppercut that took Castano off his feet, Charlo brought the event to a stop.

Castano was sent packing with the fourth and final strike, a left to the body, and we now have the first four-belt champion at 154 pounds.

As the only male boxer to become undisputed champion in the four-belt era, Charlo joins Terence Crawford, Josh Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Canelo Alvarez, and Oleksandr Usyk.