Charlo: ‘My whole career has kind of been all about chasing Canelo’

For undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo(35-1-1, 19 KOs), the thought was after his hand injury was healed, he would fight Tim Tszyu. However, an opportunity to fight the biggest name in boxing came calling, undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez(59-2-2, 39 KOs), so now he’s moving up two weight classes to battle Alvarez on September 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas(Showtime PPV).

After kicking off the fight promotion in New York on Tuesday, the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo and undisputed junior middleweight champion Charlo hit the west coast to preview their showdown.

Many thought Jermell’s twin and 160-pound WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo was going to get the fight with Alvarez, but due to issues going on outside the ring, he was not ready, so Jermell got the call, and he says he’s been chasing Alvarez his whole career.

“When I got the call for this fight, there was nothing I could say other than ‘let’s go,’” Charlo said on Wednesday. “My whole career has kind of been all about chasing Canelo. He’s been the top guy for a long time. The fight has presented itself now, and I just have to get in there, do my job, and be the best that I can be.

At 154 pounds, Charlo is a big puncher; he has stopped four out of his last five opponents and believes his power will travel to 168 pounds.

“He’s gonna find out that I’m the big Charlo,” he said. “I am what I say I am. Canelo will see that I pack good punching power, that I have good lateral movement, and that I’m a ring general, just like he is. He’ll see that it won’t be a walk in the park. He says he’s gonna be better in this fight, and it’s the same thing for me.”

The 33-year-old expects to put on a show for the fans in Las Vegas on September 30.

“After September 30, people are gonna appreciate my skills and what I’ve been doing for so long, ever since I was a kid. With every fight, I come to put on a show, and I’m dangerous the whole fight. I want to be known as great.

Charlo(5’11) is taller than Canelo(5’8), but Alvarez looks thicker. The Houston, Texas native is moving up two weight classes, so you have to say advantage Canelo. However, Charlo will not lie down, so expect a great night of boxing.