Canelo Alvarez will be taking on Jermell Charlo on September 30th in title defenses of his undisputed super middleweight championship in Las Vegas, live on Showtime PPV.
Most would agree that Jermell deserves the fight more than his brother Jermall, who has been missing in action since his war with Juan Macias Montiel.
With that said, Jermell isn’t more deserving than super middleweights David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr.
If you know anything about the sport, Canelo should be defending against one of those two talents next, and the fact that he’s not giving one a glimpse into his lack of self-confidence.
Canelo-Jermell will be more entertaining during the run-up than if the more laid-back Jermall were facing Canelo. The snarling, quick-to-anger Jermell is one that will go off at a moment’s notice, snapping at seemingly harmless questions from the media and lighting into his opponents if they question his ability.
It’s possible that Canelo preferred fighting Jermell because he’s shown more ambition than his brother and is viewed as the #1 fighter at 154, or at least he used to be, until the emergence of Tim Tszyu.
Jermell (35-1-1, 19 KOs), considered by many as the more talented of the Charlo twins, will move up two weight classes from 154 to battle Canelo for his four titles at 168.
The likely fallout from this move by the 33-year-old Jermell is the World Boxing Organization stripping him of his WBO 154-lb title, as they have a deadline of September 30th to defend against mandatory challenger Tim Tszyu.
With the money that Jermell will be making fighting Canelo, he probably won’t be too concerned about losing some or all of his 154-lb titles because he’s going to make millions from this contest. If Jermell beats Canelo, they could meet in a rematch, although that’s far from a certainty.
For many hardcore boxing fans, they view this as another example of Canelo (59-2-2, 39 KOs) carefully selecting an opponent that he’s confident of beating, as we’d seen from him in the vast majority of his fights in the last five years.
The only time Canelo deviated from this pattern of careful selection was when he fought WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol last year, and that fight was seen as a cherry-pick gone terribly wrong.
CANELO ÁLVAREZ
“I’m feeling top-notch and set for the fight. True, I’ve nothing left to show the world. Yet, with Jermell, it’s different. He’s doubted me for so long. Now, I get the chance to demonstrate my abilities to him, and that drives me. My preparation was solid, and I’m eager to present my refined skills.
Training is always intense, but for this, the drive is unparalleled. Jermell has challenged me for quite a while, and soon he’ll witness my capabilities.
There’s a unique intensity he’ll encounter with me. So, ensure you watch. Come September 30, expect excitement.
I never underestimate any opponent. I’m prepared for what he’s bringing. I’ve squared off with a diverse range of fighters. He’s yet to witness this intensity of a fight. Observers will soon understand.
For me, it’s about carving a legacy. I aim to leave an indelible mark. Detractors will always be there, but I’m determined to stay dominant.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“This significant moment has arrived. My prep was demanding, requiring absolute dedication. Canelo is not someone to underestimate; he’s accomplished immensely in boxing.
There’s a lot riding on this for me. To further my legacy, I need to be at my best. I believe the spectators will be the true winners on Saturday. I foresee a follow-up fight because this is my time.
I consider myself a fierce competitor. I’ve prepared extensively. Canelo has faced top-contender fighters, but I offer something distinct.
My journey in boxing is unlike any other. My life experiences set me apart. I’ve earned my spot, and now, it’s time to validate my position.
I’m determined to emerge victorious. Saturday will reveal all. If he’s keen on showcasing his abilities to me, I’m up for the challenge.
Making a mark in history is paramount. It’s moments like these we’ll reminisce about. As of now, we are creating memories, and I’m determined to seize this opportunity.
To date, I’ve stood by my words. This is my era, my moment, and I’m set to embrace it.”