Undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo faces the toughest task of his professional career on September 30 when he will move up to super middleweight to take on Mexican icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
As would be expected, Charlo is a clear underdog in the contest, with the majority of pundits picking Alvarez to retain his four world titles at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
When asked for his thoughts on the fight, former Charlo opponent Tony Harrison told FightHype that he thought it was a “stupid” move for his one time foe, but that he’s hoping he can pull off the surprise.
‘Super Bad’ also boldly added that if Charlo was to topple ‘Canelo,’ he would become the best fighter of the past one hundred years.
“I think it’s stupid. I think it’s stupid that he’s going to go up and break his head, then have to come back down and face one of boxing’s best.”
“I wouldn’t even feel comfortable with him fighting Canelo at 160. But there’s a reason he chose the fight, and I’m rooting for that man.”
“If he wins, he becomes the best fighter in boxing this past century. And I’ll say that in front of everybody – he goes in front of Usyk, Gervonta, everybody.”
“He becomes the best fighter in the world, pound for pound number one, if he beats Canelo Alvarez at 168lbs.”
Despite being up against one of the best boxers of this generation and at a size disadvantage, there are potential reasons for Charlo to take confidence.
‘Canelo’ is coming off three less than stellar performances against Dmitry Bivol, Gennady Golovkin and John Ryder, and there are some in the sport who believe the 33 year old is on the decline.