By Jake Donovan
It's been 18 months since Jermall Charlo was first promised a title shot. Once that moment finally arrived, the twin boxer from Houston took out all of his frustration on Cornelius Bundrage, scoring four knockdowns en route to a 3rd round knockout Saturday afternoon at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
Bundrage hit the deck in every round, including two knockdowns in round four. The final trip to the canvas was enough to convince the referee to stop the contest.
The feat came exactly seven years after Charlo's pro debut, and he fought as if he's been waiting that long for his just due. Bundrage hadn't fought since winning his title in a 12-round decision over Carlos Molina last October. He wasn't given any time to shake off any built-up ring rust as Charlo took the lead and never conceded.
An overhand right midway through the opening round put Bundrage on the deck for the first time in the fight. It would become a familiar destination for the 42-year old Detroit native, who was never able to get into a rhythm.
"I hand't fought in (11 months), you can't be inactive fighting these young guys," Bundrage said of trying to keep up with Charlo.
The afternoon would only get worse for the soon-to-be-dethroned champ.
Charlo struck again in round two, this time dropping Bundrage with a left jab. Knockdown number three came early in the 3rd round, courtest of a flurry of shots upstairs. Bundrage managed to beat the count, but wouldn't be given such a chance after being flattened by a temple shot two minutes later.
The fourth and final knockdown was met without a count, as the fight was immediately stopped. The official time was 2:33 of round four.
Charlo—whose twin brother Jermell is also a top-rated super welterweight—improves to 22-0 (17KOs) in winning his first title.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
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