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.”
