Jermell Charlo will jump up two divisions to challenge for Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez’ undisputed world title – and Bernard Hopkins believes he has all the tools to make it a tough night’s work for the Mexican.
‘Mell’ Charlo currently holds all four titles in the super-welterweight ranks, but will be stripped of at least one of those when the first bell rings against Canelo.
Despite being naturally a good size for the jump, many are predicting that the fresh threat of power and strength in the super-middleweight division spells trouble for Charlo.
Not Hopkins, who himself was a two-weight world champion. He told FightHype that ‘Canelo’s time is up.’
“His style is totally different from the styles that Canelo has fought. [Charlo is] younger, more determined to prove that Canelo’s time has been great, but it’s up.
I just believe that Canelo will have to get him out of there early. The later the fight goes, the more Canelo will start showing not only his age, but he’ll start showing the success he’s been enjoying for so long is starting to look different.”
Whilst Hopkins doesn’t go as far as predicting a clear winner, he says the smaller man could be a ‘nightmare’ come fight night.
“I see hard earned, skilful moments in that fight where [Charlo], who wants to prove himself, will come out and show us something that we knew he had but he’s never had to show it till he steps in with Canelo.
Canelo elevates Charlo. I just think he has the skills, and if he maintains that mentality it can be really a nightmare for Canelo, based on style.”
Although an official venue hasn’t been announced, Canelo is set to face Charlo on September 30 in Las Vegas.