Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez welcomes Jermell Charlo to the super-middleweight ranks for a shot at all four of his belts on September 30 in Las Vegas.
The American will be putting his 154lbs undisputed status to the side to jump up the two divisions to face Canelo, who has been dominant at 168lbs for some time.
There’s a general consensus that Charlo has it all to do given the weight and experience advantage in the Mexican’s favour. Former heavyweight turned trainer, Malik Scott, does lean the same way, but gives Charlo a real chance.
Speaking on The Porter Way, the man who trains Deontay Wilder said Charlo will be dangerous throughout.
“You would have to lean towards Canelo … Advantage wise. But I really wouldn’t be surprised if Charlo gave him a bit of trouble, even late on. I don’t think he tires out. I think as the fight goes on he actually gets stronger.
He still thinks very clear in those rough and tough fights passed the seven, eighth, ninth round. He’s got some incredible knockouts after those rounds.”
Despite his pick for Canelo, and his feeling that one mistake could see the Mexican take over, Scott is far from counting out Charlo, who he says has all the ability to shock the world.
“I believe if don’t make in-ring adjustments on the night, it’s going to cost him bit. Especially against Canelo. He hits you everywhere to get to what he want.”
“If Charlo is intelligent enough – like I believe he is, especially when the going gets tough and the tough gets going, he always gets tougher – there’s gonna be a pivotal moment in the fight where he’s gonna feel something he’s never felt before, but I think he can pass the test with flying colours. I truly do.”
The pair faced off recently for the first time, and fans were surprised at the lack of size difference on show. That doesn’t change the fact that Charlo will be facing a whole new level of power come fight night.