Toyota Center, Houston, TX, July 19
TV: Showtime
By Peter Lim
Charlo Trainer Ronnie Shields devises a game plan that ensures Charlo does not take any unnecessary risks against a dangerous puncher like Montiel. After a round or two of feeling out the Mexican, the home-grown fighter begins methodically and surgically breaking Montiel down by sharpshooting jabs followed by combinations and stepping away before Montiel can return fire.
Try as he might, Montiel is consistently beaten to the punch and is simply unable to unleash his fearsome arsenal against the slicker and better-educated Charlo. Flustered and desperate, he becomes an increasingly easier target for Charlo's shots. Midway through the fifth round, Charlo unleashes a double jab followed by a fight uppercut that sends Montiel to the canvass for the full count.
