Jermell Charlo to Defend Title Against Charles Hatley on Porter-Berto Undercard

Jermell Charlo, one of boxing’s best young champions, will be back in action on April 22 when he defends his WBC super welterweight title against Charles Hatley. The two will collide in the co-feature of the Shawn Porter – Andre Berto scrap, which will be televised live on Showtime from inside Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) has been out of action since last May when he flattened John Jackson to win the vacant WBC strap. He’s been itching to get back in the ring and he’s excited to take on Hatley, the sanctioning body’s mandatory challenger.

“I'm once again ready to get in the ring and continue to build my legacy,” said Charlo. “I've been training hard, I'm focused and I'm even hungrier now that I have my belt. Charles Hatley has never been in the ring with someone like me and I'm going to do what's necessary to get that win. My brother had an outstanding performance against Julian Williams and I want to compete with that. It's motivated me and I'm ready to get out there and show off my power and skills.”

Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) hasn’t lost in nearly five years and is coming off an 11th-round TKO of former world champion Anthony Mundine. However, that fight was back in November 2015 and the Dallas, Texas fighter is nearly foaming at the mouth to finally get back in action.

“I’ve been training for a long time for this fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Hatley. “I never stopped training since my last fight and I’m going to be ready to win that world title on April 22. Jermell is a good fighter, but he’s got a big mouth. I know we’re both training hard and going for the win, but I’m going to come out victorious.”

The Showtime Championship Boxing card, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will be broadcast live beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.