Boxing: Charlotte Costano defeats Super-Welterweight to clinch titles, first

American Jermel Charlo defeated Brian Castano of Argentina by knockout to become the first holder of a unified super-welterweight belt history in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Charlotte, who accepted a controversial draw against the same opponent last year, won in the 10th round. American holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts and Castano holds the WBO title.

At the Outdoor Arena in Dignity Health Sports Park, the 31-year-old American knocked his opponent twice on the mat in the 10th round, the first time he had begun to gain the upper hand in a fierce battle between two people.

A powerful right hook to the body hit Castano and Charlo followed with a left hook on the head, sending the previously undefeated Argentina to the ground.

Costano was able to get up, but was unsteady on his feet, unable to withstand the last two blows from Charlo, which sent him to the ground one last time.

“It was awesome,” the winner said. “It simply came to our notice then. It was like the first fight, where you were scared. I have ants on my feet ”.

A native of Richmond, Texas, he said, “I knew Costano was going to give my all, and I trained very hard,” with his record of 35 wins, one draw and one defeat (19 KOs).

This victory brings him into a unique warrior club. He became the seventh boxer to hold four belts of the major federations (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO) simultaneously.

Bernard Hopkins (middleweight), Jermaine Taylor (middleweight), Terence Crawford (welterweight), Olexander Usic (light heavyweight), Josh Taylor (welterweight) and Sal “Conlo” Alvarez (super middleweight).

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