Ever since he first laced up a pair of boxing gloves, Jermell Charlo has visualised becoming an undisputed world champion.
Many expect the Texan’s childhood dream to become a reality when the WBC, WBA Super and IBF title holder unifies with WBO king Brian Castaño at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Saturday.
Argentine Castaño is promising endless but educated pressure though Charlo believes that approach will suit his heavy hands and crisp counter-punching.
“I’m excited and anxious to get in the ring,” said Charlo. “This is a dream come true. I’ve wanted to be undisputed since I was a child because this is the highest you can reach in boxing. Being in this moment really makes me thankful to my whole team who helped me get to this point.
“Now is the time that me and my brother [WBC middleweight champion Jermall] finally get the opportunity to show the world what we’re worth. This is the moment for us. Opportunities like this don’t come around too often, so I have to go out there and take advantage.
“I don’t have any pressure on me. I’ve been in this position so many times in my life. If I felt the pressure, I wouldn’t be in this moment. He has to come and do his thing. He has to put the pressure on me and avoid these bombs I’m throwing.
“I have the don’t blink attitude for this fight. You never know what could happen at any moment of any round. I’ve knocked people out in just about every round. We’re both in good shape, so we’re going to find out who’s better Saturday.
“A focused Jermell is the most dangerous Jermell there could be. I have different skill sets that I can implement in this fight no matter what Castaño does. I have a lot that I can do depending what Castaño brings.
“It’s dangerous for him to come forward and walk into shots. Most opponents that I’ve faced who’ve done that, I’ve put them out. We’ll see if he’s able to stand up to the power.”
Main image: Amanda Westcott/Showtime.