In most instances, the brazen back-and-forth trash talk that two fighters engage in leading up to their showdown, is nothing more than playful and innocuous banter. Yet, in the case of Tony Harrison’s seemingly endless foray of disparaging words spewed in the direction of Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs), the 31-year-old not only meant every bit of it, he still feels the same exact way, despite sharing the ring with him on two occasions.
Still, throughout it all, Harrison tips his cap to his longtime rival for his recent historical victory.
“I still don’t like this mother f—— til this day,” said Harrison on The 4Cast Network. “He still don’t like me til this day but kudos to that man for breaking a barrier in history but he’s still a hoe ass n—- to me. But he’s a good hoe ass n—-. He’s a good f—— fighter.”
The barrier which Harrison refers to, is one that remained untouchable for the better part of the past two decades. Following Charlo’s 10th round stoppage victory over Brain Castano just a few short months ago, the pugnacious Houston native became the 154-pound division’s first undisputed champion since Winky Wright in 2004.
But even with Charlo reigning supreme as the division’s top man, Harrison is unmoved by his four shiny trinkets. The Detroit native is simply anxious to continue their rivalry.
In December of 2019, Harrison and Charlo clashed for the first time in the co-main event slot in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. While the decision was viewed as controversial, Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) became the first, and so far only man, to sully Charlo’s record. Roughly one year later, Charlo would avenge said defeat, stopping Harrison in the 11th round.
Ultimately, Charlo’s career blossomed since Harrison as he went on to snag even more world titles, stopping the likes of the Jeison Rosario and the aforementioned Castano. Harrison’s career, on the other hand, spiraled in the wrong direction following a split decision draw against Bryant Perrella.
Nevertheless, after taking a protracted rest, Harrison bounced back recently with a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Sergio Garcia.
With the Detroit native back in the win column, he’s now urged Charlo to revisit their longstanding rematch. Although the allure of starting his own undisputed reign is an enticing proposition, Harrison couldn’t care less if those very titles were on the line. Simply put, notching a victory over Charlo with or without the titles, would be enough to placate Harrison.
“I don’t want your belts, we can fight at a catchweight so you can keep all your belts. But I want to get it down pat for the people. For your people’s standpoint and my people’s standpoint, who’s better between us two? I don’t wanna die like that. I don’t wanna die saying I’m even with you when I don’t even like you and you don’t like me when we can just fight again. I know you don’t wanna be tied up with me, I don’t wanna be tied up with you, let’s break the cycle.”
Facing off against Harrison for a third and presumably final time, could become a distinct possibility for Charlo. However, for the time being, the 32-year-old has business to attend to. According to the undisputed titlist, he’s agreed to defend his 154-pound throne against Australia’s Tim Tszyu in the first quarter of 2023.
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