Shakur Stevenson has weighed in with a prediction for the undisputed super middleweight clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Jermell Charlo – and is refusing to write Charlo off.
Charlo is undisputed champion at super welterweight, and many observers believe jumping up two divisions to take on a fighter of Alvarez’ pedigree is simply too great a challenge for the American.
However, in an interview with FightHype, Stevenson stated he views the contest as a “50/50” and would not be surprised to see his countryman “shock the world.”
“I want Jermell to win, but Canelo’s a tough task. I could see him shocking the world though.
I think Canelo’s still young, he’s younger than both Errol and ‘Bud!’ And ‘GGG’ is the only one who really hit him. I think it’s going to be a good fight.
I think it’s a 50/50, but I could see Charlo shocking the world. I’m still sticking with that!”
Canelo had been expected to take on Charlo’s twin brother Jermall, however he withdrew from negotiations at the last minute and Jermell stepped in to save the show.
There is a growing view that the Mexican is the fighter on the decline, and has perhaps failed to truly impress since his 2021 win over Caleb Plant.
However, he remains one of the top pound for pound fighters in boxing, and a win for Charlo would no doubt send shockwaves throughout the sport.
If ‘Iron Man’ was to unseat the Guadalajara icon and be crowned undisputed at a second weight class, he himself would skyrocket up the pound for pound rankings.
The fight takes place on September 30 in Las Vegas.