Jermell Charlo Searches for Supremacy in Fight with Saul “Canelo” Álvarez

By Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña

Global superstar and pound-for-pound great Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) will look to defend his undisputed super middleweight world titles in a historic showdown Saturday, September 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas against the undisputed junior middleweight world champion Jermell “Ironman” Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs). Having amassed one of the best resumes of his generation the 33-years-old Álvarez will make the third consecutive defense of his WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO super middleweight world titles. The fighting pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Álvarez has captured titles at super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight, and is only one of only three Mexican fighters that have captured world titles in four divisions. The other two being Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez. Under the tutelage of his renowned coach Eddy Reynoso, Álvarez has established a long list of fighters that he has defeated since turning pro at the age of 15. Fighter, such as “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, GGG and Sergey Kovalev to name a few.

Now in a battle for Supremacy, Saul “Canelo”Álvarez will provide Charlo a great opportunity to add to his own legacy. Charlo a champion in just one division, has often been overlooked as a superstar in the sport, despite his near-perfect record. Álvarez, on the other hand has already cemented his name in history books of the “Sweet Science” with his superb résumé which includes defeating 18 world champions, and becoming the face of boxing inside and outside of the squared circle. With that being said, many in the Boxing Community have questioned if Álvarez still has the fire, dedication, will and desire to compete at the highest level. During a recent press conference Álvarez stated “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 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.”

Photo by Showtime Sports

For Charlo a fight with this type of magnitude has been a long time coming and it definitely won’t be easy for the undisputed junior middleweight champion who has never competed above 154lbs. In addition to the levels of class and the pressure of fighting on biggest stage of his career, Charlo will also be taking on a fighter in Álvarez who has fought at middleweight or higher since 2017 when he first moved up in weight and defeated, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. This fight will without a doubt have Charlo transcending his comfort zones as a champion and leaping into the uncharted territories of his potential. This is a fight that isn’t about reckless abandon, but rather from a resolute belief in Charlo’s pursuit of excellence, one that will demand an extraordinary amount courage. “My whole career has been about chasing Canelo, basically,” Charlo stated a a recent press conference “This is what I’ve been working toward, even back in his Golden Boy days. The whole goal in this game is to get in the ring with the best, and he’s the best. … I want to thank Canelo for even considering me.”

Photo by Showtime Sports

Going into this historic bout Álvarez is a heavy betting favorite his -230 status equates to a win probability of 69.70% and although the odds favor Canelo, he will be the shorter man when he takes on Charlo. With the weight discrepancy aside, the undisputed super welterweight champion, Charlo who possesses excellent offensive fight IQ and will have a 4’ inch reach advantage. A reach that makes his jab and outside fight game very dangerous. “I’m not just a little Charlo,” Jermell said. “I’m a big Charlo. Canelo will see I’ve got good punching power, good movement. I’m a general in the ring, just like he is. He’s going to see something different from me, too. I’m going to be prepared. I’ve always been the little train that keeps going.”

With a career that has spanned over the last 18 years and being arguably one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world. The pressure of bout sits directly on Álvarez, who wants to prove his doubters wrong after an unimpressive three-fight stretch including a loss to the WBA light heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol. A decision over Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in their trilogy bout, and a return to his home of Guadalajara for a victory over John Ryder. “I’ve heard the whispers about me possibly slowing down.” Stated Canelo. “Let’s clear that up in the ring. I acknowledge the critiques about my last performances, but trust me, I have my reasons. This time, expect a different Canelo.”