Canelo Alvarez will defend his super middleweight crown against the top 154-pounder in the world despite doubts over Jermell Charlo’s participation.
Whispers around the campfire in Las Vegas during Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. fight week last month had boxing media questioning if Charlo would be ready.
After an announcement late on Wednesday, it seems the four-belt super welterweight king will be opposite Canelo in the ring on September 30.
Premier Boxing Champions said: “Mexican superstar and pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez will defend his undisputed super middleweight world titles in a blockbuster showdown.
“Canelo goes up against hard-hitting undisputed junior middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo. They headline a SHOWTIME PPV [8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT] Saturday, September 30, in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”
Canelo has amassed one of the best resumes of his generation at only 33 years old. He will make the third consecutive defense of his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO super middleweight world titles against the junior middleweight king.
Charlo steps up in the first matchup of the four-belt era pitting two reigning undisputed champions against each other.
Canelo vs Charlo – Undisputed vs Undisputed
With a win, Charlo would add his name alongside legendary champions. Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, and Roy Jones Jr. have successfully jumped two weight classes to win a world title.
The two-time world titleholder jumped at the opportunity to battle Canelo after brother Jermall stated his desire to continue working on himself after some problems in his life.
Should Canelo prevail, though, Jermall will likely be asked again if he would like to face the Jalisco native and potentially avenge his brother in the spring of 2024.
Therefore, the Charlos have a lot on the line and could be champions in three weight classes at one come October 1st – if things go their way.
Despite the doubts creeping in, Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza was delighted to get the fight over the line finally.
“Canelo vs. Charlo is a legitimate mega-fight. It’s yet another testament that Showtime continues to deliver the biggest and best matchups in the sport,” said Espinoza.
“We’ve had a banner year that has already featured some of the most anticipated fights in recent memory. Canelo vs. Charlo stands out as a historically unique showdown between two undisputed champions.
“September 30 will be another can’t-miss event for boxing fans around the world.”
Pre-sale tickets are available tomorrow, Thursday, August 10, from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC
Public on-sale begins Friday, August 11 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions.
