The stage is set for perhaps one of the biggest showdowns of the year. In what has become one of the most heavily-anticipated matchups, Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo takes place on September 30. A battle of two champions, and many are excited to see how this one will unfold.
For those unaware, Canelo is all set to put his super middleweight titles on the line against Charlo. Having defended his undisputed status on two other occasions, Canelo now welcomes Charlo for his first-ever outing in the 168-pound division. In what is sure to be a contest for the ages, it is also one of the rarest of occasions where two undisputed champions will go head to head.
Who will bow?
Watch #CaneloCharlo, #RamosLubin, #UgasBarrios & #GarciaResendiz Saturday on SHO PPV.
Order now ➡️ https://t.co/lcYztq3zt7 pic.twitter.com/toxNa3LKl0
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) September 25, 2023
Taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fight brings with it a stacked card as well. Easily one of the more bang-for-your-buck PPVs, the undercard features some veterans and up-and-comers as well. However, the main attraction is obviously the champ vs. champ action in the main event.
Previously, Canelo dispatched John Ryder via unanimous decision in May. Prior to that, he had his trilogy fight against Gennadiy Golovkin. Although Alvarez always impresses, he has promised to go one step further and show why he is ‘The King’. Among a whole host of contenders waiting in line, Canelo will have his work cut out for him when he takes on Charlo.
🖐🏽 DAYS TO GO.
Order #CaneloCharlo now: https://t.co/o2OpeEaChu pic.twitter.com/BEpI4jZPW4
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) September 25, 2023
As for the undisputed junior middleweight, he will make his first ring walk in sixteen months for this one. In his previous outing, he settled the score with Brian Castaño. In their first meeting in 2021, many felt as though the Argentine got the better of Charlo despite the split draw. Thus, Jermell took it upon himself to prove the doubters wrong and delivered a KO to win the WBO light middleweight title and his undisputed status.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo stats
| Stats | Canelo Alvarez | Jermell Charlo |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 59 | 35 |
| Losses | 2 | 1 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in | 6 ft |
| Division | Super middleweight | Super middleweight |
| Reach | 70 ½ in | 73 in |
| Weight | 168 lbs. | 168 lbs |
Canelo vs. Charlo prediction
For the most part, Canelo is a clear and undoubted favorite for this one. Despite his smaller height and reach, the Mexican is seen as the bigger man coming into the fight. With both fighters being extremely skilled, the fight has been a tough one to call for purists and boxing personalities. Although many have commended Charlo for his speed and strength, fighting two weight classes higher is a different challenge entirely.
Previously, Canelo also showed similar ambition when he went up to challenge Dmitry Bivol. One of the only blemishes on his illustrious career, the fight showed how difficult it is to go up in weight and challenge. As for Charlo, it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to life as a super middleweight.
Thus, many like Adrien Broner and Shakur Stevenson have put their faith in Charlo, whilst others like Floyd and Oscar de la Hoya have gone for Canelo. All things considered, ‘Iron Man’ is a very skilled and well-rounded fighter. Unfortunately, Alvarez simply outdoes him in every single department, be it speed, strength, technicality, or endurance. However, as many others have said, Charlo possesses every attribute to pull off a historic upset to shock the world.
