The former trainer of Jermell Charlo has made an unusual prediction for when the super-welterweight king takes on Canelo Alvarez on September 30.
Shields, who trains Jermell’s brother Jermall, believes Charlo cannot win close rounds against the Mexcian superstar. Therefore, his final prediction for the contest raised a few eyebrows.
“This is a big opportunity for Jermell and one that I know he’s not going to take lightly,” said Shields. “He’s going to do everything in his power to come out victorious.
“That’s what he does. He wants to be the best all the time,” added the top coach.
“From his last two showings, Canelo has said he has injuries. Now, he wants to prove that he hasn’t lost a step. He’s a competitor.
“He wants his people to stay behind him, so I think he comes into the fight in the best shape he’s been in in a long time.
“Charlo is one of the few fighters who holds his power throughout the fight. You don’t get too many of those, but Canelo can do that. It really makes this a great fight.
“Charlo has to make sure he wins rounds convincingly. You won’t win close rounds against Canelo. You have to keep pushing. Canelo has a great defense, so Charlo has to be in great shape and go from beginning to end.
“You don’t see many fighters go to Canelo’s body because it’s hard to get close enough to do it. He’ll have to come up with a scheme to get into that position.
“I think Jermell Charlo wins this fight by split decision.”
Canelo vs Jermell Charlo
Claiming a split decision against Canelo could prove impossible if Shields’ statement that Charlo can’t win close rounds comes to fruition.
The fighter himself is banking on his power, making the difference on the night.
“When I got the call for this fight, there was nothing I could say other than ‘let’s go.’ My whole career has been all about chasing Canelo,” said Charlo.
“He’s been the top guy for a long time. The fight has presented itself now. I have to get in there, do my job, and be my best.
“He’s going to find out that I’m the big Charlo. I am what I say I am. Canelo will see that I pack good punching power and lateral movement.
“That I’m a ring general, just like he is. He’ll see that it won’t be a walk in the park. He says he will be better in this fight, and it’s the same thing for me.
Canelo vs. Charlo headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, September 30, from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View.
Tickets for the live event, which Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions promote, are available through AXS.com.
