Tag: canelo alvarez
Lubin: ‘I feel I’m one of the best in the world’
Hard-hitting contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will look to catapult himself right back to the top of the stacked 154-pound division with an emphatic victory over unbeaten rising sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos in the Canelo vs. Charlo SHOWTIME PPV co-main event on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view.
“Ramos is nothing that I haven’t seen before, and on fight night, he’s gonna know that I’m the better man,” said Lubin during a short breather from training camp. “He’s a tough southpaw, but I’ve watched enough to dissect him and go out there and execute in the fight. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not perfect. There are a lot of flaws that I can definitely capitalize on and that’s what I’m going to do on September 30.”
Lubin (25-2, 18 KOs) returned from a defeat to Sebastian Fundora in one of 2022’s best fights to stop contender Luis Arias in June and begin another ascent toward a world title shot. Before stepping into the ring for a pivotal matchup on September 30, Lubin spoke extensively about training camp, Ramos, bouncing back from defeat and more:
On his edge in experience and how it could play out in the fight:
“When it comes to ‘A-side’ or ‘B-side’, it doesn’t really matter in this fight. I’m the one with experience. He wants to be in my spot. He’s young, he’s undefeated, he’s been on big undercards and stuff like that. But they must have given him the ‘A-side’ because of his looks or something because I’m really the ‘A-side’ if it comes down to it. He wants to take what I have. On September 30, it’s my job to stop this young boy’s dreams. He bit off more than he can chew too early. This is an important fight for me. I’m going to show the world that I’m not a gatekeeper in this division. I’m one of the top dogs in this division. Being a gatekeeper doesn’t sit well with me. So I’m motivated. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and it will show on September 30.”
On training camp in South Florida with head trainer Kevin Cunningham:
“We haven’t done too much differently this training camp. The one thing we have done differently is the game plan. Every training camp we give it our all. We train really hard and that’s just the program and system that we live by. I’ve had over 200 rounds of great sparring with young guys and veterans, so I’m sharp.”
On when he first targeted Ramos as a potential opponent:
“I asked for this fight before Ramos fought Joey Spencer. They told me no. I guess he was still growing, but now is the time for him. I’m excited for it. He’s a young lion and I’m going to show him that I’m a young lion with more experience. I’m hungrier than he is. I just want it more.”
On what taking on this challenge says about him as a fighter:
“Look at my resume. It’s been like this from the beginning. They know what type of fighter I am. I feel I’m one of the best in the world and I want to leave my mark on the sport as one of the greatest to ever do it. I could have been fighting a YouTuber and I still would have trained just as hard. I look at every fight as my most important one, especially while I’m right here, close to a title. I still want to avenge my defeats against Sebastian Fundora and Jermell Charlo, but in order to do that, in order to get another world title shot, I’ve got to go out and prove myself. I’ve got to win in a good fashion.”
On how he’s able to bounce back from his defeats:
“I’m strong mentally. I really believe in myself. I know the talent that I have. I’m very talented. My hiccups only made me better. With the Charlo fight, I was a little bit too young. Charlo was fighting in his 30th fight and it was just my 19th. The experience level was different.
“With the Fundora loss, that was a fight I was winning. My trainer had to throw in the towel because of my face. He cares for me beyond boxing. He saw my face swollen and lumped up and he did what he felt was best. We live to fight another day. I came back, went to the drawing board and got better and smarter. Right now, I’m just entering my prime. I’m 27 years old and the best of me will show on September 30. I’m excited, I’m stoked, and I definitely want to show that I’m the best fighter in the division.”
On how important a statement victory is to him:
“I don’t feel that I have to make a statement, but I will make a statement. I’m always motivated to just win. That’s the only objective. But I feel I will make a statement. With the hard training camp that we had with Kevin Cunningham, who is a zero-tolerance type of trainer, he’s drawn up a great game plan and it always works. So I’m definitely going in there, listening to him, and it’s going to be a great night on September 30.”
On what fighting in the co-main event of a pay-per-view mega fight means to him:
“I’ve been waiting for moments like this. I feel like this is going to bring the best out of me. We put in a hard 10 weeks of camp. I just got back from fighting in June. Activity brings the best out of me. This is what I asked for. It’s the big stage and I’m going to show that I’m a very elite fighter. They know I’m elite, but I’m going to show that I’m one of the best in the world and I’m here to stay. I’ve got this young kid in front of me and he wants to take my spot.”
Ugas, Barrios putting in work for big fight on Canelo-Charlo undercard
Former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios showed off their skills and previewed their upcoming showdown for the Interim WBC Welterweight Title during a media workout in Las Vegas Tuesday before they meet on the Canelo vs. Charlo SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view.
Ugas and Barrios will look to reclaim championship gold in a matchup that will see the former WBA Welterweight Champion Ugas square off against the former 140-pound titlist Barrios. Each fighter is led to the ring by a renowned trainer as Ugas is guided by longtime top trainer Ismael Salas, while Barrios trains under 2022 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year Bob Santos.
Here is what Ugas and Barrios had to say Tuesday from DLX Boxing in Las Vegas:
YORDENIS UGAS
“In the end, it’s about taking each round as seriously as the previous round. I don’t take anything for granted. The goal is to have each and every round go the direction I want it to go.
“I’m not in the prediction business, but what I do is fight elite fighters, give my best every round and let the chips fall where they may.
“I’m used to these big fight atmospheres, but it is very exciting to be on the card with a star as big as Canelo. It’s a great source of pride and I plan to bring my best for all the fans watching.
“It’s beautiful to be fighting here in Las Vegas again. I’m 5-0 in Las Vegas and this is my third time fighting at T-Mobile Arena. I feel at home and absolutely love fighting here in Las Vegas.
“It was both physically and emotionally tough after the Errol Spence Jr. fight. Emotionally I had to carry that loss with me. Now I can redeem myself and put it all in the past. I always knew that I would come back after the fight. My eye got stronger after the surgery and now I feel ready.
“I was so happy to be able to be back in the gym and do what I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I was back in training in December and started sparring again a couple months after that.
“I’m just focused on my fight. I have no clue what Crawford may do with the WBC belt. I’m doing my thing and that’s what I plan to keep doing.”
MARIO BARRIOS
Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
“I’m gonna bring the same intensity that I bring in every fight. I feel a lot more comfortable and settled in at the weight now.
“I’m preparing myself to the best of my ability. We have a very good game plan that we’re getting ready for Ugas. It’s a really hard fight, but those are the type of fights that I like to take. I want to continue to test myself and my ability and my skill in the ring.
“Everything has been really good. I’ve been here in Las Vegas for a few months staying ready. My mind and body are both looking on point right now. It’s exciting.
“I think the move out here to Las Vegas was necessary. I feel sharper than ever and more focused. I get tremendous workouts here. It’s been very beneficial.
“A win in this fight means everything for me and my career right now. It puts me at the top of the division with the best welterweights out there and gets me closer to the bigger world title fights.
“I’m very happy to be here in Las Vegas with Bob Santos. Me and Bob have always had a great relationship and having him as the head coach again is great. We’re gonna be able to accomplish a lot in the next few years.”
Canelo on Jermell Charlo: ‘Him and his brother didn’t believe in my skills’
Undisputed 168-pound undisputed champion Canelo Álvarez has never really ducked or dodged a challenge. In fact, he runs right into it.
That mentality continues to be on full display as Alvarez(59-2-2, 39 KOs) will battle undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo(35-1-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas(Showtime PPV).
Whether it’s Jermall or Jermell Charlo, both fighters have tried to get their hands on Alvarez, and according to the Mexican star, he will show the Charlo brothers all the things he brings to the table.
“I always want to make the best fights out there,” Canelo said at his virtual media workout in Lake Tahoe on Wednesday. “I’m excited to be in this fight. This is a fight that people have talked about for a while. I’m excited to show the Charlos my skills. Now Jermell is gonna feel my skills.
“I think Jermell Charlo is the perfect fight right now. He’s been calling me out for a long time, and I never forget. He’s said a lot of things. He never believed in my skills, but he’s gonna find out soon. Him and his brother didn’t believe in my skills, and that motivates me for this fight.”
Charlo is moving up two weight classes, which is something Alvarez did when he fought and stopped Sergey Kovalev at 175 pounds in 2019. Canelo thinks Charlo won’t have any issues with the weight.
“Charlo will be good at 168 pounds,” Alvarez said. “I’ve made that jump before, so I know. I think that when you’re a great champion like he is, it doesn’t matter.
“These kinds of fights motivate me. I like being underestimated. That’s what makes me excited for this fight.”
In his last fight in May, Alvarez defeated John Ryder by unanimous decision; however, he wasn’t at his best. For this training camp, the 33-year-old Alvarez says he’s healthy and convinced that this has been one the best training camps of his career.
“I feel great,” he said. “This is really one of the best camps I’ve ever had. I feel great to be able to train 100% now with my left hand. That’s made me more confident. When you train knowing that you’re healthy, you’ll be more confident in the fight.”
Canelo can add yet another benchmark to his already historic career with a triumph over Charlo and, in doing so, become the first man during the four-belt era to defend all four titles successfully three consecutive times.
Charlo on Canelo: ‘I have to beat him for 12 rounds’
Undisputed junior middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo held a live streamed media workout on Monday and previewed his upcoming showdown against undisputed super middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez topping a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Houston’s Charlo will look to earn undisputed status in a second weight class with a career-defining triumph over Canelo in the first showdown between two reigning male undisputed champions in the four-belt era.
Here is what Charlo had to say Monday from his training camp in Houston:
JERMELL CHARLO:
“I’ve been doing this my whole life and now it’s time to put on for my city. Put up or shut up and do what I do. I’m facing one of the best fighters in the world, you have to be excited for this moment.
“Now is the right time for this fight. We’re in our primes and at our best. I wanna shake the doubters off and prove to the world why I’m in this position. There’s a reason I made it this far. I’m gonna show what I’m made of. Everything I’ve done since I was eight years old, I’m putting it all on the line now.
Photos; Andrew Hemingway/SHOWTIME
“I’m not going to have to worry about losing too much weight. I’ve been sparring bigger guys for a very long time and now it’s about bringing that same mindset that I have at 154-pounds and bringing it up with me to 168-pounds.
“Of course there’s pressure. We have to be dominant and not just rely on a knockout. I have to beat him for 12 rounds. I have to do what I have to do in the ring to protect myself while still being vicious.
“This is a dream come true, just like winning undisputed, winning a world title and making it out the mud was. Once you get this far and see yourself prospering, you just want to keep bringing it. I’m staying focused on handling business.
“We’ve done so much sparring and conditioning. I’m working on the mental as well, because I know it’s not only about the physical. I’ve been training 14 weeks and making sure I do everything I need to.
“I just have to stay hungry. And I’ve been hungry. I would’ve fought Canelo years ago, and it probably wouldn’t have been as big as it is now. But I’m not too focused on being in the ring with Canelo, I’m just hungry. I want to win this fight for my city.
“If I accomplish this massive goal, it’ll be hard to top. I’ll be in the record book with the greats of boxing for a long time.
“I’m so dialed in as far as my team and everyone around me. I just need to get in the ring and do what I have to do.”
Jesus Ramos Jr. is ready to impress against Lubin
Undefeated super welterweight sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. discussed the increased intensity in his training camp and much more as he looks to earn a world title shot with a victory over top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin on Saturday, September 30 in the SHOWTIME PPV co-main event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View.
“This camp has been more intense than my previous camps,” said Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs), who is trained by his father Jesus Ramos Sr. at the Ramos Boxing Academy in Casa Grande, AZ. “My strength and conditioning coach Jamie Belt has really stepped it up. We’re going through it and I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life right now. That’s what we have to do to be better each time we step into the ring.”
The 22-year-old had previously been slated to compete on the July 30 Spence vs. Crawford SHOWTIME PPV undercard, but was forced to withdraw due to a hand injury that Ramos says has since healed.
Photos: Jacob De Leon
“I’m feeling good, I just needed to let my hand heal,” said Ramos. “I’ve been sparring and everything has been going great. I’ve had no pain whatsoever and I’m happy about it.”
Ramos most recently dominated the previously unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, stopping the fellow rising 154-pound contender in round seven. With wins already against Interim WBC Super Welterweight Champion Brian Mendoza and veteran contenders Vladimir Hernandez and Luke Santamaria, Ramos believes that a statement victory over Lubin will land him the world title shot he covets.
“I think a win does show that I’m ready for a title shot,” said Ramos. “A win over Erickson Lubin, plus my previous wins, shows what level I’m on. It’s a huge statement, especially if I look impressive. If I’m able to dominate him, it shows that I’m on a different level.”
The 27-year-old Lubin will step into the ring with his own motivation and a proven ability to turn a contest into a toe-to-toe clash. His only defeats came first in 2017 in a loss to Jermell Charlo, and in 2022 as he was defeated by Sebastian Fundora in one of the year’s best fights, one in which Lubin had led on the scorecards at the time the fight ended. For Ramos, he thinks highly of Lubin’s resume and has had a fight against him on his mind before it was ever offered.
“Lubin is a great fighter and he’s really a warrior,” said Ramos. “He’ll fight anybody and he doesn’t back down from a fight. We saw it against Fundora. Things got tough and he was still fighting back. Facing him was actually something we’ve talked about, even after the injury. Me and my dad talked about possibly facing him on this card when it was announced, so it was really the law of attraction that made it happen.”
As a rising Mexican-American star, Ramos has relished in the upcoming opportunity to compete as the co-main event to a Canelo Álvarez topped event. Having watched Canelo for years before embarking on his own pro career, Ramos is excited to show the many fans tuning in what he’s capable of.
“I remember when Canelo was the co-main event for Floyd Mayweather, we would always watch him, so now to be his co-main event is huge for me,” said Ramos. “I’m embracing every second of it. Fans are going to see the best version of Jesus Ramos on September 30. This has been a strong training camp and it’s going to reflect in the ring on fight night.”
Lubin to Ramos: ‘I’m not Joey Spencer’
In 2017, 154-pound contender Erickson Lubin, at the age of 22, was an up-and-coming fighter and had an opportunity to win his first world title when he battled then-WBC 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo.
However, things ended very early as Lubin was knocked out with one punch in Round 1.
After that fight, Lubin(25-2, 18 KOs) made some changes and eventually hired trainer Kevin Cunningham. From there, he won six straight fights before getting stopped by Sebastian Fundora in 2022.
Lubin returned to his winning ways in June when he stopped Luis Arias.
On September 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Lubin battles the undefeated Jesus Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez-Jermell Charlo’s 168-pound undisputed clash.
The 27-year-old believes his losses to Charlo and Fundora have helped him work harder.
“I’m fueled by adversity,” Lubin said at a press conference on Tuesday. “My first title challenge against Charlo brought me back to working real hard and eventually winning six fights in a row. I was winning the fight against Sebastian Fundora, and losing fueled me to go back to the drawing board and work even harder.”
“The mindset hasn’t changed for me. I still have a chip on my shoulder. I’m going into this fight very hungry. I have a young, hungry kid in front of me, but I’m young and hungry as well. You can expect fireworks on September 30. I’m looking to win and be in the big fights against the best guys in the division.”
Lubin has high praise for Ramos, who is coming off a stoppage win over Joey Spencer in March, but according to Lubin, he’s not Spencer.
“Ramos is a real solid fighter,” Lubin said. “I watched his last fight, and I thought he looked good. But I’m not Joey Spencer. I’m one of those top guys in the division. I’m the cream of the crop, and I’m here to prove myself. I want the toughest test every time out…
“This win solidifies that I belong at the top. It shows that I need a title shot. The winner of this fight will definitely get a big fight.”
Interestingly enough, Ramos is the same age as Lubin(22) when the Florida native fought Charlo, who was Lubin’s current age of 27. We know what happened in that fight.
On September 30, Lubin says history repeats itself.
“I’m definitely not downplaying Ramos, but I was 22 years old like him, and I took a step up in competition against a 27-year-old and fell short,” Lubin said. “I think history repeats itself, but in my favor.
“I’m looking for a one-sided ass-whooping. I want to go in there and come out with the victory, untouched.”
Ramos-Lubin, Ugas-Barrios, Garcia-Reséndiz added to televised portion of Canelo-Charlo PPV
Three matchups featuring rising stars, top contenders and former world champions from 147 to 160 pounds will highlight a robust pay-per-view undercard leading up to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo undisputed super middleweight championship clash on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas(Showtime PPV).
In the co-main event, undefeated sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr., will take on hard-hitting top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin in a 12-round super welterweight special attraction. The pay-per-view also includes former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios going toe-to-toe for the Interim WBC Welterweight Title. Opening up the action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT are rising middleweights Elijah Garcia and Armando Reséndiz squaring off in a 10-round attraction.
A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) blitzed then-unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant on SHOWTIME PPV. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 opponents, showcasing his skills and ability to end his fights early.
“I’m excited to be part of this huge card against a tough opponent on September 30,” said Ramos. “I know Lubin is training hard and coming to win, which will make for an entertaining fight. This whole card is stacked and we don’t want to disappoint, so the fans are in for a great night of boxing.”
The 27-year-old Lubin (25-2, 18 KOs) returned to the ring in June to deliver an impressive fifth-round stoppage of veteran Luis Arias, who had never been stopped previously. Lubin’s previous outing saw him go toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, as he traded knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to then unified and now undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation®, earning “Prospect Of The Year” honors from ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.
“I know the world will be watching on September 30 and I plan on winning in a big way,” said Lubin. “We’ve got a young and talented fighter in front of us, but I’m young and talented as well. The difference is that I’ve fought the cream of the crop of the 154-pound division. Doesn’t matter if it’s Olympians, top prospects, contenders or champions, I’ve taken them on. I have a big chip on my shoulder and I know that with this win, I’ll be in a mega fight. I’m training extremely hard and the whole world will see it pay off.”
Ugas (27-5, 12 KOs) will step back into action on September 30 for the first time since an April 2022 unification bout defeat to Errol Spence Jr. on SHOWTIME PPV. He established himself as an elite welterweight after returning from a more than two-year layoff in 2016 following back-to-back losses in 2014. He punched his ticket as a world champion in January 2021 after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos in September 2020. He solidified his world-championship status in August 2021, when he stepped in for an injured Spence to defeat legendary future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Hailing from Santiago, Cuba and now living in Miami, Florida, the Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas with renowned coach Ismael Salas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.
“Both me and Mario Barrios have a lot to gain with a victory on September 30, so I know that this fight is going to be one to remember,” said Ugas. “I have tremendous respect for Barrios. He’s a true warrior who’s been in the ring with the best of them, but I have confidence that I’ll be victorious. I have a lot of fight left in me and my best skills will be on display in this fight. Patria y Vida, I fight for my people.”
The 28-year-old Barrios (27-2, 18 KOs) most recently scored a sensational knockout of Jovanie Santiago in February stopping Santiago in the eighth-round. Barrios’ previous fight was his welterweight debut as he dropped a hard-fought decision to former unified champion Keith Thurman in February 2022. The San Antonio-product, who now trains with top coach Bob Santos in Las Vegas, became a 140-pound world champion in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.
“This fight is going to be a war, because we both fight with a lot of heart and neither of us ever backs down,” said Barrios. “I can’t wait to compete in a matchup like this on one of the biggest cards of the year. This is going to be a great night of boxing from start to finish and the Mexican fans can expect to see an explosive performance from ‘El Azteca’!”
Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs) is one of 2023’s biggest breakout stars He burst onto the scene in March by blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round to announce his presence at 160-pounds. The 20-year-old followed up that performance by dominating veteran Kevin Salgado on his way to a unanimous decision in April on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia. The precocious Garcia has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out six of his last eight opponents.
“This is my second fight this year on a huge pay-per-view card and I’m super excited and even more prepared than the first time,” said Garcia. “Reséndiz is a hungry fighter just like myself, so I have no doubt that we are going to put on a hell of a show for all the fans watching.”
The 24-year-old Reséndiz (14-1, 10 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing as he stopped former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10th and final round of their March showdown on SHOWTIME. Reséndiz led on all three cards when the bout was stopped due to a severe laceration on Hurd’s lip. A native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles and will look to make it three-straight wins since a close decision loss to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021. Reséndiz turned pro in February 2018 and made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021 with a decision victory over Quilisto Madera.
“I’m very happy to have this great opportunity to compete on such an important fight card,” said Reséndiz. “I’m excited to realize my dream of fighting in Las Vegas, just like my boxing idols that I watched on TV. I’ve had an amazing training camp that will help me look my best on September 30 and put on a performance worthy of the boxing legends who inspire me.”
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.
Canelo: ‘Stay tuned on September 30 because this is gonna be a great night for boxing’
Boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo faced off for the first time on Tuesday at a kickoff press conference in New York to preview their blockbuster showdown that headlines a on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions(Showtime PPV).
The undisputed super middleweight world champion Canelo will take on the undisputed junior middleweight world champion Charlo in a historic matchup that will pit two reigning undisputed champions against each other for the first time in the four-belt era.
Here is what Canelo and Charlo had to say Tuesday from Palladium Times Square:
CANELO
Photos: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
“Thank you to Jermell for taking this fight. I’m very happy to be in this position and to be in big fights. Jermell is a great fighter who takes on big challenges just like I do. I always take risks.
“Jermell is a great fighter and this is a fight that’s been out there as a possibility for a long time. Now is the correct time for this fight.
“I’m gonna put everything into the ring. My experience, my power and my skills. It’s going to take everything to win this fight. It’s going to be a great night for the fans.
“It’s good that people are saying I’ve lost a step. It’s fine. I know why I didn’t look as good in my last two fights. I know why and I’m different now. I’m preparing now for a different type of fighter.
“I’m 100% focused on this fight. Then we’ll see what happens after. Everyone wants drama and for us to fight on this stage, but when two fighters are 100% focused like we are right now, it’s gonna make it a great fight in the ring.
“I have everything that he says he has as well. I have experience and I’ve been in this position a lot of times. That’s why we’re here. We’re going to find out if he’s got enough on September 30.
“I love being in these kinds of fights. Stay tuned on September 30 because this is gonna be a great night for boxing.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“This is a long time coming. Canelo and Eddy are legends in the game of boxing. They’ve put on great shows and I want to be the one that gets in there and takes it all away from them.
“Me and my brother Jermall have been putting on for boxing and it’s our time now. A lot of people are worried about the wrong things. When you want to win something this big, you have to risk it all.
“I just want to quiet my haters and doubters and turn non-believers into believers. I’ve watched a lot of great people in the sport of boxing and now I think this is the best moment for me to leave my mark. With two great fighters in there, you get nothing but fireworks. When this fight presented itself, it was a no-brainer to make this happen.
“I’m gonna train my ass off and be intelligent. I know I’m moving up in weight, but who cares? That won’t stop me from getting in there and doing it the way I do it. I’m excited for this moment.
“My heart, desire and determination will give me what I need to win. I guarantee a great night and that you’re gonna hear some lions roaring.
“I don’t have any excuses. Whatever happens happens. I came here to win this fight. I’m not laying down. I don’t care what anyone says.
“I’m so proud to be one of the fighters who’s able to get in there and step up and fight the best. I’m gonna be training my ass off. Tune in on September 30. Be there or be square. We’re gonna turn this into a whole new ball game.”