Jermell Charlo believes he will cement his standing among the best fighters in the sport when he clashes with rival champion Brian Castano for the undisputed super-welterweight title at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on July 17.
The Texan feels he is one of the fight game’s best pound-for-pound operators and that the jolting power which has accounted for Erickson Lubin (KO1), Jeison Rosario (WKO8) and Tony Harrison (WKO11) could surface at any moment.
WBO champion Castano remains the last obstacle for WBC, WBA Super and IBF title holder Charlo as he chases undisputed status at 154lbs and the magnitude of the occasion is not lost on him.
“This is the most important time of my life. I love this. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. My experience inside and outside of the ring has all led up to this. Now is the time for me to put it all on the line,” said Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs).
“Castano is going to leave everything in the ring so we’re not playing any games. I’ve been training really hard. I’ve added things that have made me better because I know for a fact that this is going to be a great fight. I know what I possess in the ring. When it’s time to fight, I instantly become the best warrior that there is out there.
“I’ve suffered my whole life, so there’s nothing in this world that can make me suffer more than what I went through growing up. Castano is a great fighter who puts on a lot of pressure. But I know my abilities and I know my power. Every punch I throw is dominant and every shot I throw is painful for my opponent. I have a lot of unique abilities in me and I’m going to bring some tricks into this fight.
“You’re going to see a more developed Jermell Charlo on July 17. I guarantee you’re going to see a top pound-for-pound fighter. At any point, this fight could be over with.”
Main image: Amanda Westcott/Showtime.