USC’s Galen Center, Los Angeles, California - Jermall Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) scored three knockdowns to score a spectacular fifth round stoppage over previously undefeated mandatory challenger Julian Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs, 1 NC) to retain the IBF junior middleweight title.

There was a lot of drama after the fight, when Williams came over to congratulate Charlo and the champion blew him off. Both corners began to argue and the security had to separate both sides before it got physical.

A very solid opening round, with both fighters standing at mid-range and trading good counters with each other. Williams was able to land a few good fight hands, while Charlo was shooting a solid jab.

The action was still close in the second. They were trading some very good shots - and then Charlo dropped Williams hard with a solid counter jab. Williams got up on unsteady legs, but he was able to shake off the cobwebs and battled back with good counters that checked the chin of Charlo.

Charlo and Williams were trading jabs, while setting up counters in the third. It was a real technical fight where both of them were had their moments. Williams was outworking Charlo in the early going of the fourth and was mixing it a little with shots to the body, but Charlo as landing what looked to be the harder shots. In the second half of that round Williams had a slight edge.

The action was close against in the fifth - but then once again Charlo dropped Williams very hard with a tremendous counter uppercut. He struggled to do so but Williams got up once again, and this time he was very hurt - then Charlo battered him down for a third time and the referee waved off the fight.