Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and hard-hitting challenger Juan Macías Montiel previewed their upcoming showdown during a virtual press conference Wednesday, as they near their matchup that headlines action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 19 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Toyota Center in Houston.
Charlo has established himself as a force in two divisions and will seek to thrill his hometown crowd against Mexico’s Montiel, in a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth Day boxing celebration. Charlo will fight in Houston for the fourth time as a pro and look to keep his undefeated record intact against the upset-minded Montiel.
Here is what Charlo had to say on Wednesday:
JERMALL CHARLO:
“This is going to be fireworks. This is going to be a fight. I come to put on a good show in front of my city. Get ready to tune in. This is going down, all the way down. There’s no way I’m letting Montiel take anything from me.
“There’s no pressure for me. I’m a fighter and pro at what I do. It’s my legacy on the line. So no matter what, I have to continue to be great. I have the best trainer in the world in Ronnie Shields and I’m so ready for this fight.
“I know Montiel is going to bring a strong challenge and try to knock me out. You put the pressure on yourself that way though. Normally when people talk trash, I lay them out. I’m going to be prepared. My mental has matched up with my physical ability and I’m stronger than ever.
“Montiel is a pressure fighter who fights from both stances. He’s strong with both hands and he’s going to try to fight fire with fire.
“When you’re the world champion, everyone wants to beat you. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of you, because they’re all training their hardest. He’s going to be in shape, but I’m going to be just as fast, strong and smart. My title is on the line, so I have to defend it.
“Bring on the power. I want the power. He better be as strong as he’s talking. I want to feel the power. I’ll show you what I do with the power.
“I’m enjoying my life. I’m enjoying being the best Jermall Charlo I can be. I enjoy the competition that they give me. I’m never okay or satisfied with being where I’m at. He’s going to see on June 19 that Jermall Charlo is for real.
“I’m making 160-pounds perfectly right now. I’m not finished at 160-pounds. There are bigger fights ahead of me though. No matter what happens, those bigger fights are coming. Right now, I’ve got something for Montiel.
“I’m giving you the best Jermall Charlo that I can give you. Montiel is going to come forward and give me some power. I’m going to put it in my pocket and charge my phone with it. You’re going to see a great night of boxing on June 19.
“I get a chance to fight for my community and my people on June 19. It’s going to be an amazing night of boxing. Everyone who stands up for me, I get to stand back up for them.”
