Though most observers accept Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is a considerable favourite in his upcoming super middleweight world title defence against Jermell Charlo, there are plenty in the sport who give the American a chance.
And one of those is a former world champion from UK shores, who claims he is starting to “really favour” Charlo to usurp the Guadalajara icon on September 30 in Las Vegas.
In a recent interview with Boxing News, Johnny Nelson explained why he believes ‘Iron Man’ could the one to capitalise on Alvarez’ perceived decline in recent fights.
“Don’t be surprised if Charlo is the guy that manages to pickpocket Canelo. Canelo is an outstanding fighter, another fighter who’s not the fighter he was but still beats 98% of fighters in the world.
“Charlo on the other hand, I’m starting to really favour him to pull it off. I think he has all the ingredients to do that.”
Undisputed super welterweight champion Charlo will jump up two weight divisions to take on Alvarez at the T-Mobile Arena for his undisputed 168lbs crown, which he has held for the past two years.
Though Alvarez is favoured by the majority of pundits to emerge with the victory in Las Vegas and is a betting favourite, he hasn’t looked his brilliant best in his last three showings and there is a view that his 63 fight professional career has begun to catch up with him.
The Showtime PPV blockbuster is Canelo’s first of a three fight deal with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, with the likes of David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade all potentially in the running for future fights.
Add to that the talk of a mouth watering bout against undisputed welterweight world champion and pound for pound number one, Terence Crawford.