By Jeff Sorby: #8 WBC heavyweight contender Manuel Charr (21-1, 11 KO’s) returns to the ring tonight to face Russian Konstantin Airich (24-8-2, 18 KO’s) in a battle for the vacant WBC Baltic and WBC Mediterranean heavyweight titles at the Maritim Hotel, in Cologne, Germany.
Charr got a taste of what it’s like to fight for a world title in his last fight against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko last September, and he wants to get another shot at a title. Charr was stopped in the 4th round by Vitali after getting cut above his right eye.
There’s no argument that the fight should have been stopped. Charr was bleeding all over the place, and it would have been wrong to let the fight continue. Charr was like a punching bag for Vitali, as he never was able to land any of his big power shots against the taller 6’7” Vitali. Even if Charr hadn’t been cut, it was going to end badly for him because before he was cut he was taking heavy shots from Vitali, and doing little in return.
Airich, 34, has the power to beat Charr if he goes all out in the first four rounds. That’s about all it would take to stop Charr if Airich really puts it on him. I can’t see Charr being able to take more than four rounds of punishment from Airich if the Russian fighter really goes after him.
Airich hasn’t fighting too well lately, however, as he’s lost three out of his last four fights. Obviously, he’s been selected in order to get Charr back on the winning track, but Airich still has a chance of winning this fight due to his big power and Charr’s less than impressive boxing talent.
Charr believes he can win a title, but it’s not going to be easy because he’s ranked in the wrong division right now. Charr could be in position to get a title shot after Vitali retires from boxing, but Charr will have to keep winning to get in position for that to happen. He’s ranked #8 WBC now, and he’s going to have to move a little closer. He’s the ideal opponent for whoever lands the belt because he’s not really dangerous, and if one of the powerful heavyweights like Chris Arreola, Tyson Fury or Bermane Stiverne pick up the belt, Charr, with his inflated record, will be someone that could get selected.