Jermell Charlo Promises To “Be Old School” In Castano Rematch

On Thursday the buildup continued for the undisputed jr. middleweight title fight in May between WBC/WBA/IBF World champ Jermell Charlo and WBO titleholder Brian Castano. And after an unsatisfying draw in their 2021 bout for Charlo, he made clear that he will be ready to take care business in the rematch.

The two took part in a virtual video press conference leading up to their May 14th rematch taking place in Carson, CA with Charlo being his usual bold self,

"If I’m going to be in the Hall of Fame, it’s going to be because of legacy fights like this." @TwinCharlo #CharloCastano2 pic.twitter.com/vuZ6sFS5Cy

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 21, 2022

Charlo told the media,

“I hate that I didn’t close out the first fight the way I should have. I’m going to be better, faster, stronger and more relentless in this fight. I’m going to be the old school Jermell Charlo.

“You don’t give people like me opportunities again. I’ve fought for my whole life. I know that I have to seize this opportunity. I’m dead focused and laser sharp. I’ve been grinding since before his bicep injury. He gave me time to prepare my body. While he was playing games, I’ve been getting better. I’m going to have him hurting and crying. This isn’t about Castaño, this is about Jermell Charlo.”

Charlo, now 34-1-1,  is referencing Castano suffering an arm injury in training that has delayed the rematch another two months. Now, the Argentine says he’s healed and is ready to go next month.

The two battled to a 12 round draw in a fight that many believed Castano, now 17-0-2, won by banking enough of the first 10 rounds. Clearly, Charlo scored the more effective punches late in the bout and actually rocked Castano on a couple of occasions to salvage the split draw and retain his titles.

For his part, Castano responded Thursdsay,

“Charlo knows that he’s going to have his hands full and that I won the first fight. I like to do my talking inside the ring, but I will say that I’m a warrior and I’m going to show that I’m worthy of this victory. I don’t care what Charlo says, I’m going to be ready for whatever comes my way.”

The Showtime Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis dueling unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, Mexican contender Kevin González puts his unbeaten record on the line against Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction.