The good news for Charles “Bad News” Cornwell is that this upcoming Saturday will mark his third game of 2024 after a completely inactive 2023.
Even better news for the junior middleweight contender and 2016 U.S. Olympian is that he’s ascending the ranks in one of the sport’s deepest divisions, becoming a potentially ideal dance partner for many of the top stars.
Cornwell, who has a record of 20-0 (15 KOs), will face Geraldo Luis Vergara, also 20-0, on December 14 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California (Gerardo Luis Vergara), with only two knockouts less. The event will serve as the co-main event for a showdown between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel on DAZN.
“That’s exactly what I needed to get my career back, to get out in front of the fans multiple times a year, stay active, stay relaxed,” Cornwell told BoxingScene. “Every time I get in the ring, I’m more comfortable, so you’re going to see more of me every time.”
Cornwell signed a promotional deal with Golden Boy in February, and Oscar De La Hoya’s company immediately offered Cornwell a spot on the undercard of the Ryan Garcia-Devin Haney fight in April. Chance, he defeated his opponent Nathaniel Gallimore with a buzzer beater in the sixth round. In August’s Vergil Ortiz Jnr vs. Serhii Bohachuk fight, Cleveland native Conwell defeated Kiri Gray in two rounds. Khiary Gray).
Cornwell, 27, is expected to compete against the top 154-pounders in the world starting next year.
“I think 2025 is going to be a breakout year for me and I’m going to get into some big races,” Cornwell said. “I know I’m improving every time and getting better against my opponents. Those are stepping stones to big fights.
“I hope to dominate Vergara and show him the level of boxing and finish him. It’s the perfect night for me and something I’m looking forward to doing.
“If I feel like someone doesn’t belong to me, why should I keep them at the end?”
The fight ahead of Cornwell appears to be a clash with Ortiz, his fellow Golden Boy fighter who is next scheduled to date Israel Madmov on February 22.
“I expect the fight is going to happen,” Cornwell said. “We’re both signed to Golden Boy. It’s an easy fight. I’m building up my profile now to make the fights even more intense. I’ll definitely be looking for similar fights in the near future.”
Cornwell’s other high-profile fight was against Jalen Ennis when Butz began the campaign at 154 pounds. Cornwell and Ennis have played nearly 60 games over the years and are very familiar with each other.
“Our sparring partners have been great,” Cornwell said. “It was a tight fight, 10 rounds, four minutes each. I respect Jalen Ennis. He’s a good fighter. When he moves up, there’s no room for dodging and hiding in this division .The best fight is the best. I’m excited for it whenever it happens. I can see that fight happening in the near future.”
If Cornwell defeats Vergara, a 30-year-old Argentine southpaw who is fighting in the United States for the first time, bigger and better games are certainly within reach.
“I’m out there fighting for a world title,” Cornwell said. “I just needed that last ditch effort to prove to everyone that I am who I say I am.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports reporter, author and broadcast journalist whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, and the Los Angeles Times “, “Philadelphia Inquirer”, “Ring” magazine and other media. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manuk is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtubesend email via manouk[dot]Akopian[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
