Legendary boxing trainer, Freddie Roach, has done a ‘180’ switch on his prediction for the upcoming undisputed super-middleweight title clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Jermell Charlo.
Canelo’s last three performances have left a lot to be desired, with fans expressing their views that Alvarez is on the decline as he continues to drop down in the pound-for-pound lists of pundits.
A first loss in almost nine years, to Dmitry Bivol, coupled with two laboured points victories that many felt should not have reached the final bell, against Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder, have only magnified suggestions that the Mexican is past his sell-by date.
Meanwhile, Charlo’s most recent outing came in a career-best win over Brian Castano, where he knocked out the Argentinian to become the undisputed super-welterweight champion. Now, the American chases legacy, jumping up two weight-divisions to face the former poster boy of the sport and Roach, who trained the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya, told Boxing Scene that he expects Charlo to pull off the upset.
“This is all about Charlo,”
“I am really impressed with where Charlo is right now. I originally went with Canelo, but then I looked at video of the last two or three fights for each guy and I was very impressed with what I saw from Charlo and did a 180 on my selection.”
Roach even went as far as to predict a stoppage win for Charlo, an outcome that is deemed to be highly unlikely with the bookmakers.
“I think Charlo will have too much firepower for Canelo to handle, especially at the higher weight. Canelo needs to stay away from Charlo’s left hook. The question is, can Canelo stay away from Charlo’s left hook? I don’t think he can, that’s why I’m picking Charlo by stoppage.”
Canelo-Charlo will take place on Saturday night in Las Vegas live on Showtime PPV in America and DAZN for UK fans.