Clan-Members » s.MOVING UPRoethlisberger pass

A few months ago there was speculation in boxing circles that perhaps the mandatory fight between junior middleweight titlist Jermall Charlo and No. 1 contender Julian J Rock Williams would not happen.Charlo, some said, wanted to vacate and move up in weight. Others suggested that Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) was somehow afraid of facing Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs), a notion that seemed crazy knowing the competitive spirit Charlo possesses. Boxing and rumors, however, go together like Floyd Mayweather and money.As it turned out, none of it was true. Charlo had no intention of giving up the hard-earned 154-pound world title he won in 2015 and has so far defended twice, including in his biggest win, a unanimous decision against well-respected former titleholder Austin Trout in a competitive fight in May.The real issue was that Charlo, like millions, had poor vision. He had worn glasses or contact lenses since he was kid. A few years ago, twin brother Jermell Charlo, who also holds a junior middleweight world title, had a procedure to improve his vision.Jermall, however, elected to put it off and make due in the ring with less than optimal sight.I always wanted [the procedure], but Im a superstitious guy, Jermall Charlo said. So I like to keep things the way I always wanted.Eventually, though, his vision began to be an issue, and he faced possible problems being licensed in some states, including Nevada, where he faced Trout.Charlo, 26, of Houston, made the decision to have the same procedure as his brother, which he did this past summer.Its just something I feel like its going to take me to the next level, Charlo said. Im 110 percent, crystal clear. Im good. Im ready.He will need to be ready because he faces perhaps his toughest test in the skilled and powerful Williams, whom he will finally meet on Saturday (Showtime, 10 p.m. ET) at the Galen Center on the campus of USC in Los Angeles, in a fight many fans have anxiously waited for since Williams became his mandatory challenger in March after knocking out Marcello Matano in the seventh round of a title eliminator.In the main event, Argentinas Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) will make the second defense of his secondary featherweight title when he meets former three-division titleholder Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a fight originally scheduled for June 25 but was postponed.Charlo admitted that he has had fuzzy vision in his fights, including against Trout.I fought the fight. I adjusted myself to be able to fight unclear, Charlo said. So now I got the procedure done. Yes, the fight [against Williams] was supposed to happen in October. And I wanted it then. But it was just for me to be able to clear the medical exam. Less stress now to go ahead and go [into the fight with] 20/20 [vision], and Im ready now.Charlo had the procedure in July and later sought and was granted a 60-day medical exemption by the IBF, allowing him to delay the mandatory against Williams from October to Saturday. Now he is ready for the fight.Everything happens for a reason, Charlo said. And crystal-clear vision is one of the things that helps me make the fight easier.Charlo said the difference has been huge and he cant even imagine how much better he will be now that he can see everything so clearly, which figures to also include the incoming punches from Williams.It gives me a lot more confidence, Charlo said. Of course, its something important and I probably had to get it. I havent fought with crystal-clear vision my whole life. So now Im even more motivated. Im eager to get in there to see what the new person is like.Williams has been anxious for a title shot for the past year and understandably grew a little restless when the fight was delayed. When the fight was finally solidified, Charlo was calm and cool.I just felt like I wanted to get to work, Williams said. The whole process has made me practice my patience. I wasnt overly excited because I knew I would fight for the world title my next fight with someone. I wanted to start training camp immediately and get myself ready to win.Williams said he was not sure what was going on with the delay at first but was glad everything was worked out for the fight.I didnt really know about the medical situation until about mid-September, Williams said. I actually thought that he would fight. And I did not think about the notion that he would vacate. I thought that he was putting the fight off for whatever reason. But like I said, at the time, I didnt know what the reason was.Now Williams, 26, of Philadelphia, is just pumped up to have his big opportunity against a highly regarded titleholder.All that is under the bridge. It doesnt even matter anymore, Williams said of the delay. The fight is [Saturday], you know what I mean? He said hes going to bring his A-game. Hes got 20/20 vision. I had 20/20 vision my whole life. Now were even. So there will be no excuses.Now both guys are looking at a tough fight with high stakes that will go a long way toward making their name in boxing.Were both on the way up to the top level, Charlo said. Hes definitely one of my best opponents up to this date. Hes hungry as me. Hes my toughest opponent. And Im ready for it.Said Williams: Whenever youve got a 50-50 fight, two guys 26 years old [and] both in the prime of their careers, its going to be a test for both fighters.Its rare we see two fighters get in the ring in this type of fight. So I think its definitely the first step in building my legacy.Ringstar Sports promoter Richard Schaefer is co-promoting the card, his first since resigning as chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions two and a half years ago after a falling out with principle owner Oscar De La Hoya. Schaefer, who founded Ringstar Sports in June, said he believes the Charlo-Williams winner is on his way to stardom.I think you have two of the best fighters in their division fighting in this particular fight, Schaefer said. And so this is an extremely significant fight for the division. And these are two young undefeated and confident fighters who dare to be great.These kinds of fights will separate one from the other, and I think the sky is the limit here within that division and potentially other divisions. But thats how you build a champion into a star and then a superstar. These kinds of meaningful fights. 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He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday.CLEVELAND -- LeVeon Bell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run -- long after time expired in the first half -- and the Pittsburgh Steelers recorded eight sacks and snapped a four-game losing streak with a 24-9 win Sunday over the winless Cleveland Browns.The Steelers (5-5) scored eight points with zeroes showing on the clock before halftime after they were awarded two extra plays because of defensive penalties against the Browns (0-11).Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave recovered a fumble by QB Josh McCown for a TD with 3:36 left to seal Pittsburghs win. The Steelers came in with a league-low 13 sacks before unloading on the Browns.Bell finished with a season-high 146 yards rushing as the Steelers improved to 2/3 on the road and avoided an embarrassing loss to the NFLs worst team.Ben Roethlisberger improved to 20-2 in starts against Cleveland, still paying for not drafting the Ohio native in 2004.Making it worse, Roethlisbergers 10 wins in Cleveland match Derek Anderson for the most home wins by a Browns quarterback since 1999.Cody Kessler sustained a concussion -- his second this season -- late in the third quarter. Kessler was being dragged down when he was hit by Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who launched himself and was called for unnecessary roughness.Cleveland had 33 yards rushing in losing its 14th straight going back to last season. McCown replaced Kessler and threw a 14-yard TD pass to Gary Barnidge in the fourth quarter.On a blustery day, the Steelers turned to their running game and a defense that hasnt been up to Pittsburghs standards. Stephon Tuitt had 2 1/2 sacks and the Steelers spent much of the afternoon delivering hard hits.Pittsburgh dominated the first half, but only led 6-0 before the strange final moments.Starting at the Cleveland 41, Roethlisberger drove the Steelers to the Browns 3 with 8 seconds left. On second down, Roethlisbergers pass to Antonio Brown in the end zone was incomplete as time ran out.However, Browns defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun was called for holding, giving Pittsburgh another chance.Agaiin, Roethlisberger looked for Brown, who was dragged to the ground by star cornerback Joe Haden.dddddddddddd Pass interference was called and the Steelers took advantage of a second untimed play as Bell bowled over the goal line to make it 12-0.The Steelers, who went 0-for-4 on 2-point conversions a week ago in a loss to Dallas, connected this time as Roethlisberger threw to tight end David Johnson.The miscues were a microcosm of Clevelands miserable season. The Browns are young, and unfortunately theyre taking their lumps during a massive rebuild.Three teams in NFL history previously lost their first 11 games before winning: the 2000 Chargers (who finished 1-15), the 1984 Bills (who finished 2-14) and the 1975 Chargers (who finished 2-12).SUPER STEELERPittsburgh linebacker James Harrison is the clubs career sack leader.Harrison drilled Kessler in the third quarter to pass Jason Gildon (77) for the most sacks in the Steelers storied defensive history. Its likely Hall of Famers Joe Greene, Jack Lambert or Jack Ham could have more, but the NFL didnt recognize sacks as an official statistic until 1982.Harrison has 77 1/2 sacks.MOVING UPRoethlisberger passed Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton (3,686) for 12th place on the completions list.GRIFFIN GETTING CLOSEBrowns quarterback Robert Griffin III, who has been out since breaking a bone in his left shoulder in the season opener, did some conditioning drills, threw -- and even drop kicked a ball through the uprights -- before the game.Griffin has been cleared to practice this week and will undergo another medical exam to see if he can take contact.If he continues to progress, Griffin will likely start one of Clevelands final five games. The Browns have a bye on Dec. 4, which would give RG3 additional time to get ready.UP NEXTSteelers: At Colts on Thanksgiving night.Browns: Host Giants next Sunday.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '