The Charlo twins, Jermell and Jermall, were initially set to defend their world titles against Tony Harrison and Willie Monroe Jr. but a few days before the WBC interim middleweight championship, Willie Monroe Jr. was removed from the main event against Jermall.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association says Monroe (26-3) failed their drug test. All WBC champions and fighters are required to do a drug test for the WBC’s “Clean Boxing Program”. Jermall Charlo (27-0) will now face Matt Korobov (28-1) who was prepared as an under card.
Monroe went on Instagram on his birthday with a statement after the failed drug test. He insists that he’s a clean fighter and that it’s just “another obstacle” he has to overcome.
“We got work to do,” Charlo said about the switch from Monroe to Korobov at the final press conference at the Barclay Center yesterday. “Nothing I can do about a unprofessional individual in boxing who didn’t make the right requirements for the test.”
Korobov was preparing to fight Juan De Angel so the Charlo match up caught him off guard.
“It was a surprise for me. I’ll try to show my best Saturday night,” said Korobov.
“For him to step up, I know this is one in a lifetime opportunity for him – so I know he’s coming in with everything and I’m well prepared,” said Jermall.
78% of Jermall’s fights have been knock outs compared to Korobov’s 48%. Korobov is a veteran as he’s been boxing for 10 years and only lost once. He’s going up against the sixth ranked Middleweight boxer who’s itching for a fight with Saul Canelo Alvarez fight or Gennady Golovkin next year.
“We should be seeing this in 2019, right? That’s what you all want to see. Tell the people that then. I want to fight. I already told you I want to fight,” Charlo said about Canelo and GGG per Boxing News.
For Saturday, Jermall’s right hand and power may be too much for the 35-year old boxer. However, years in the pros gives Korobov a slight advantage when it comes to skill set and experience but I believe Jermall’s intentions for tomorrow night’s fight is a early knock out.
“Every fight is tough. I have to figure out a different game plan for each and every fighter I step in the ring with,” said Charlo.
The fight is set for tomorrow at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn New York. It will televised on FOX at 8 p.m. EST.
Watch the final press conference between Charlo and Korobov plus Monroe’s full statement on his failed drug test on the next page.