Undisputed super-welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo, is preparing for the most difficult fight of his career, stepping up two weight-classes to face a fellow undisputed champion, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, for all four super-middleweight titles.
Charlo claimed the 154lbs throne when he defeated Brian Carlos Castano last year to add the WBO strap to his collection and complete the quartet of super-welterweight titles in his name.
His twin brother, Jermall, was expected to land the mammoth Canelo fight, but in a shock twist, it was announced that ‘Iron Man’ would take on the Mexican superstar and seek to capitalise on the 168lb champion’s lacklustre run of form.
Whether or not some believe the Mexican to be on the decline following his fights with Dmitry Bivol, Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder, one undeniable advantage will be his comfortability at the weight.
It’s an edge that leads many fans to believe he will come out on top, and Charlo admitted that his weight gain was ‘tough’ in an interview with Fight Hub TV.
“It’s tough, but it’s a task that has to happen. Sometimes, to make the best fights in boxing, you have to take chances and risks and you have to do some things.
That is just the nature of this game. We want to continue to put on for the sport, because fights like this make the sport of boxing very noticeable, we have to continue to do these things.”
There has been suggestions that the American may even come in lighter than the 168 limit to retain some of his skills in the ring. Having said that, fans were surprised to see not much difference between the pair when they first faced off.
Canelo and Charlo will face off on September 30th in Las Vegas, live on Showtime Pay-Per-View, with a U.K. broadcaster yet to be announced.