By Dan Ambrose: Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez & challenger Jermell Charlo will meet today to promote their September 30th fight on Showtime PPV at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Canelo (59-2-2, 39 KOs) and Jermell (35-1-1, 19 KOs) are getting off to start marketing their fight, hoping to pump up the PPV numbers for their ‘Undisputed vs. undisputed fight.
As we saw with the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia & Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford mega-fight, it helps to begin promoting as early as possible to create interest.
Jermell is good at building excitement for his fights when he’s facing someone with something to say, like Tony Harrison, but he won’t get much help from Canelo or his non-English speaking trainer Eddy Reynoso. For all intents & purposes, they’re a couple of wallflowers, utterly useless in marketing a fight.
Canelo needs a hype man, like the guy that works with Crawford and the dude that follows Devin Haney around. Those guys are valuable because they can help a mute fighter who cannot reach out to mainstream fans.
With the Canelo vs. Charlo fight, they’ve got a more demanding job because the Mexican start tends to have very little to say about promoting his fights.
Canelo’s loyal fans don’t seem to mind, but he could do much better if he were a little more actively engaged in the process rather than letting his opponents or their trainers & promoters do all the hard work.
Canelo could start to show his age against Jermell.
“[Jermell is] younger, more determined to prove that Canelo’s time has been great, but it’s up. I believe that Canelo will have to get him out of there early,” said Bernard Hopkins to Fighthype about his belief that Jermell Charlo will be a big threat against Canelo Alvarez the longer their fight goes on September 30th.
“The later the fight goes, the more Canelo will start showing not only his age, but he’ll start showing the success he’s been enjoying for so long is starting to look different ass time going in that ring.”
Press Quotes
CANELO ÁLVAREZ
“I’m in excellent shape for this fight. Jermell is correct; I’ve got nothing left to prove to anyone. However, I’ve got a point to prove to him. He’s doubted my abilities from the start. He’s constantly challenged me, and now it’s my turn to demonstrate what I’m made of. That’s my driving force right now. I’ve prepared intensively for this, and I’m set to unveil my refined skills.
I always give my training my all, but this fight? It’s different. He’s been challenging me for so long, and in a few days, I’ll let my actions speak.
He should brace himself. It’s tough to put into words, but facing me isn’t like facing anyone else. I urge everyone to watch; the fight will be memorable. Whichever beast I need to channel, consider it done. Mark September 30 in your diary. It won’t disappoint.
I’m always prepared, no matter the opponent. I’ve sized him up, and I’m ready. I’ve taken on all sorts of fighters. He’s yet to face someone of my quality. The ring will be the ultimate teacher.
My aim is to carve a legacy. There are milestones I’m eager to hit. This fight? It’s one of them. The excitement is building.
There will always be critics. My task? To reaffirm that I reign supreme.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“This moment has been long coming. Training was intense, demanding every ounce of my focus. Canelo is no ordinary opponent; overlooking him would be a mistake. He’s achieved so much in boxing and, honestly, has no more to prove.
My legacy weighs heavily on my mind, and to continue writing it, I need to be on my A-game. Fans are in for a treat come Saturday. And once the dust settles, I wouldn’t be surprised if a rematch is on the cards.
I’m a true fighter. I’ve done my part, and now we’ve reached this juncture. Canelo may have faced great opponents, but I offer something unique, something he hasn’t come across yet.
Boxing? I believe I’ve revolutionized it. I represent the new generation, and I’ve been in this game for the long haul. My life’s journey? Many can’t even begin to relate. I’ve earned my spot, and now it’s about proving I deserve it.
Regardless of his declarations, I’m set on claiming victory. Saturday will reveal all. If he’s keen on proving his skillset, then bring it on.
For me, making history is the end game. It’s what fuels me. We’ll reminisce about moments like this later in life, savoring the memories. For now, though, we’re living in the present, forging ahead one step at a time.
So far, I’ve stayed true to my word. This moment? It’s mine, and I’m grabbing it with both hands.”