Jermell Charlo has always noticed the aura of Canelo Alvarez. It’s easy to spot. For the better part of the past half-decade, the Mexican star has been viewed as the face of boxing. Fans often fill arenas to see him fight. His opponents are normally grateful for the opportunity. Of course, they wanna upset the apple cart but considering the life-changing money they’ll take home, simply facing Alvarez is something to be happy about. (photo by Ryan Hafey)
Charlo is already a rich man. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t excited about the gigantic payday he’s on the verge of receiving this Saturday night.
The 33-year-old can hear the brink’s trucks backing up. It leaves a humongous smile on his face. But just because Charlo is content financially, it doesn’t mean that he’s ready to bow down to Alvarez. Once the bell rings, the Houston native will do his best to rip Alvarez’s head off.
“I’m not about to be over there kissing your ass because you great,” Charlo told a group of reporters. “I wanna fight.”
Charlo hasn’t been his normally surly self during the build-up. He’s mostly been reserved and soft-spoken. Moving up two full-weight classes has the truculent star feeling right at home. No longer does he have to get his body down to the 154-pound junior middleweight limit and he’s enjoying every minute of it.
As for the actual matchup, Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) doesn’t mind that he’s an underdog. Those who make the betting lines aren’t fighting for Alvarez anyway so he couldn’t care less about their opinion.
His confidence is clear as day. So much so that Charlo can’t envision a world where he actually comes up short. Strategies and violent thoughts aside, Charlo is honored to be in the position he’s in today. Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) is a great fighter, a champion, and an icon. All in all, there’s no one else he would rather share the ring with.
“At the end of the day, I give Canelo all of the respect he deserves. He’s calling shots, he’s a superstar around the world outside of boxing. He’s done awesome things for his country and he got a good fan base.”