Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will defend his undisputed super middleweight crown on September 30 against another undisputed champion, Jermell Charlo, in the main event of a Showtime Pay-Per-View card from Las Vegas.
The recent announcement generated some debate among observers, since Jermell will have to go up by two full weight divisions – from 154 pounds to 168.
Initially, Canelo was tabbed to face older brother Jermall Charlo, who holds the WBC title at middleweight.
It was later revealed that Jermall, inactive for two years, would be unable to get ready in time for the September date.
However, for Canelo’s former promoter – Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya – this fight could be more dangerous for Canelo because of his opponent’s speed and his boxing style.
Jermell is widely viewed as the more talented of the two brothers.
And De La Hoya agrees that Jermell is the more dangerous opponent when compared to Jermall.
“Undisputed vs. undisputed, it’s great for boxing. People are surprised that he went with the smaller fighter, but I think the smaller Charlo could be even more dangerous for Canelo, because he has speed and fights harder, and he’s in your face,” De La Hoya explained to Fighthype.com.
At the same time, De La Hoya pointed out that the fight will also be difficult for Jermell, since he will have to go up by two divisions to face Canelo.
“First of all, I take my hat off to Charlo for doing that. I understand it’s a big payday for him and he obviously he took that into account when making the decision to fight Canelo, but it will be a difficult task,” De La Hoya said.
Canelo was last seen in the ring back in May, when, he picked up a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over John Ryder.