Mexican power-puncher Juan Macias Montiel believes he has the artillery to down WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in their title bout at the Toyota Center in Houston on June 19.
The 6ft 1ins banger from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, destroyed former contender James Kirkland in the opening round last December and is a rejuvenated force since moving up to middleweight from 154lbs. It looks a big step up against local favourite Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs), but the Mexican feels primed for the upset.
“I know that I am fighting the best middleweight in the world, but he has never faced someone who can punch like I can,” said Montiel (22-4-2, 22 KOs).
“All my losses in the past are from not training properly and trying to win by one-punch knockout. I’ve grown up and become a man since then.
“I proved that I was different when I beat Marco Reyes in 2019 [WTKO4] and I haven’t left the gym since then. I’ve worked hard every day to become world champion and I will display everything I’ve learned on June 19.”
Main image: Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions.