WBC 154lbs king Jermell Charlo believes he is at the peak of his powers ahead of his unification with WBA Super and IBF champion Jeison Rosario on September 26.
The rival champions will meet at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut on Showtime PPV in the US to decide who is the premier super-welterweight in the world. Jermell will share the spotlight with twin brother Jermall who defends his WBC 160lbs crown against Sergiy Derevyanchenko on the same promotion.
A narrow points loss to Tony Harrison in December 2018 has galvanised Charlo (33-1, 17 KOs) and he feels that surprise result has rebooted him as a fighter. In December 2019, Charlo avenged that defeat with an emphatic 11th round knockout.
Rosario, who upset Julian Williams in five rounds in January, can expect more of the same, according to Charlo.
“I’m excited and I’m ready for September 26. This is the time to prevail and for me and my brother to be the Charlo Twins. It’s time to be the best Jermell Charlo,” he said.
“Me and my brother have come so far together. It’s not just in boxing, but everything in our lives. We’re proof that all you have to do is keep pushing and trying. September 26 is the day that I have to make all of the time I put into this sport worth it.
“I used the pandemic to invest in myself and created a gym in my home. I’ve been getting in shape since it started. For this fight to be here in a week, I’m just more than prepared for it. I’m on weight and I’m hitting hard.
“I bounced back from that loss in 2018 last year, but there were still things I needed to learn and develop. We’re going to end 2020 with a bang,” continued Charlo. “This is the Charlo show on Showtime. Every time I feel pain, I think about all the other boxers out there pushing through pain. Now you see where we’re at because of it.
“Rosario got his chance and won the titles, but I always felt I was the best fighter in the division. When I’m at my best, I don’t see anyone that can compete with me. I always wanted all the belts and I knew I was going to have to take them from somebody.
“After I lost in 2018, I told everyone that it just gave me jet fuel, and that when I come back, I’m coming back full throttle. That’s what I’m about. I have nothing to lose. I’m not letting him take anything from me.
“I’m even more dangerous than I was before. I’m an old school fighter right here. I’ve been dedicated to this game and I’m not going anywhere. Stay out of my way, because I’m the man trucking things.”
Main image and all photos: Andrew Hemingway/SHOWTIME.