Tag: Jermall Charlo

Photos: David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade L.A. news conference

Photos: David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade delivered their final words before they meet Saturday in Las Vegas.

David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade on Tuesday in Los Angeles took part in the final news conference before their 168-pound pay-per-view fight Saturday at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) could face Canelo Alvarez next if he’s victorious.

“I’ve been training for 3½ months and I put everything into this training camp,” the former two-time beltholder said. “I know what’s in front of me. I know he’s a great fighter but I’m going to strike when I see the openings. I’m going to try to knock him out.

“I’m going to give the fans what they want to see. They want to see a war, so let’s go to war.”

The fight is also huge for Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs), a former two-division titleholder who could end up in the ring with Alvarez if he wins.

“It’s war time baby,” Andrade said. “It’s time to fight. David and I agreed to make this happen and now we’re here. At the end of the day, I have nowhere to go and he has nowhere to go.”

Benavidez’s older brother, Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-2-1, 19 KOs) will challenge middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) in the co-feature.

Here are images from the news conference. All photos by Amanda Westcott of Showtime.

[lawrence-related id=39752,39743,39747]

Jermall Charlo primed to reclaim his elite status in ‘second half’ of career

Jermall Charlo is primed to reclaim his elite status in what he called the second half of boxing career.

Jermall Charlo looks at his 2½-year layoff as a sort of “halftime” in his career. And he plans to be better than ever coming out of the break.

The 33-year-old middleweight titleholder left boxing to address his mental health, a struggle that led to suicidal thoughts and the possibility of retirement from the sport. Nothing he could face in boxing could rival that challenge.

However, the dark clouds have lifted. And he’s ready to return to his first love.

Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) is scheduled to face veteran Jose Benavidez Jr. on the David Benavidez-Demetrius Andrade pay-per-view card Saturday night at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

“We just had our halftime show,” Charlo told Boxing Junkie. “I’m glad fans enjoyed the first part of the show. Now we have to close out the game. It’s clutch time. It’s time to lock in.”

Charlo spent the past two years trying to figure out who he is as a person, not an athlete.

He and brother Jermell have been boxing since they were 8 years old, a quarter century ago. That has been his identity, a successful boxer who ultimately won a number of major belts, earned fame and became wealthy.

However, he recently asked himself whether it was worth the sacrifices. The way he sees it he puts his life on the line every time he goes to work and no one, aside from those closest to him, truly care.

He wants to be there for those who do care.

“I was focused on learning who I am,” he said, “what it takes to be … a better father, a better friend, someone who is really there, not a fake person. I want to spend time with my grandma, a grandma-grandson thing.

“… I want to have a life. I feel like it’s time for me to be that person.”

Charlo missed out on what would’ve been the biggest fight of his career, a meeting with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez that ultimately went to his brother in September.

He has no regrets, however. He wasn’t prepared mentally to tackle a challenge of that magnitude. And he was pleased that the opportunity remained in the family, although the Mexican star won that fight by a one-sided decision.

Charlo believes he could still meet Alvarez, though. He and the Benavidez-Andrade winner will be leading candidates to face Alvarez next Cinco de Mayo weekend. Or he could end up in the ring with the winner of Saturday’s main event if Alvarez goes a different direction.

Those type of matchups would bring Charlo back into the thick of the championship action after his long hiatus.

“I’m taking it one fight at a time, obviously,” said Charlo, making it clear he must beat Benavidez to take the next step. “My intention is to blow Benavidez’s head off. I have enough ammunition to do that.

“I can still fight Canelo or one of the big names. We never know.”

Benavidez Jr.?

David’s older brother obviously was selected as a tune-up opponent, a competent, tough boxer who will come to fight but probably poses a limited threat to Charlo.

Charlo said he isn’t approaching Benavidez as a relatively easy mark, however. One, as he implied, he can’t afford to slip up if he wants the biggest fights. And, two, his opponent has made it “a little more personal” by publicly downplaying his mental health issues.

Charlo expects to roll over Benavidez on Saturday in spite of his time away.

“It’s like the old Harley,” he said. “You just take it out, wipe it up, clean it up. The engine is still the same. It runs like crazy. … It got a little dust on it but I doubt that it’s rusty.”

The second half kickout should come around 10:30 p.m. ET.

[lawrence-related id=21352,21315,21260]

Jermall Charlo primed to reclaim his elite status in ‘second half’ of career

Jermall Charlo is primed to reclaim his elite status in what he called the second half of boxing career.

Jermall Charlo looks at his 2½-year layoff as a sort of “halftime” in his career. And he plans to be better than ever coming out of the break.

The 33-year-old middleweight titleholder left boxing to address his mental health, a struggle that led to suicidal thoughts and the possibility of retirement from the sport. Nothing he could face in boxing could rival that challenge.

However, the dark clouds have lifted. And he’s ready to return to his first love.

Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) is scheduled to face veteran Jose Benavidez Jr. on the David Benavidez-Demetrius Andrade pay-per-view card Saturday night at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

“We just had our halftime show,” Charlo told Boxing Junkie. “I’m glad fans enjoyed the first part of the show. Now we have to close out the game. It’s clutch time. It’s time to lock in.”

Charlo spent the past two years trying to figure out who he is as a person, not an athlete.

He and brother Jermell have been boxing since they were 8 years old, a quarter century ago. That has been his identity, a successful boxer who ultimately won a number of major belts, earned fame and became wealthy.

However, he recently asked himself whether it was worth the sacrifices. The way he sees it he puts his life on the line every time he goes to work and no one, aside from those closest to him, truly care.

He wants to be there for those who do care.

“I was focused on learning who I am,” he said, “what it takes to be … a better father, a better friend, someone who is really there, not a fake person. I want to spend time with my grandma, a grandma-grandson thing.

“… I want to have a life. I feel like it’s time for me to be that person.”

Charlo missed out on what would’ve been the biggest fight of his career, a meeting with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez that ultimately went to his brother in September.

He has no regrets, however. He wasn’t prepared mentally to tackle a challenge of that magnitude. And he was pleased that the opportunity remained in the family, although the Mexican star won that fight by a one-sided decision.

Charlo believes he could still meet Alvarez, though. He and the Benavidez-Andrade winner will be leading candidates to face Alvarez next Cinco de Mayo weekend. Or he could end up in the ring with the winner of Saturday’s main event if Alvarez goes a different direction.

Those type of matchups would bring Charlo back into the thick of the championship action after his long hiatus.

“I’m taking it one fight at a time, obviously,” said Charlo, making it clear he must beat Benavidez to take the next step. “My intention is to blow Benavidez’s head off. I have enough ammunition to do that.

“I can still fight Canelo or one of the big names. We never know.”

Benavidez Jr.?

David’s older brother obviously was selected as a tune-up opponent, a competent, tough boxer who will come to fight but probably poses a limited threat to Charlo.

Charlo said he isn’t approaching Benavidez as a relatively easy mark, however. One, as he implied, he can’t afford to slip up if he wants the biggest fights. And, two, his opponent has made it “a little more personal” by publicly downplaying his mental health issues.

Charlo expects to roll over Benavidez on Saturday in spite of his time away.

“It’s like the old Harley,” he said. “You just take it out, wipe it up, clean it up. The engine is still the same. It runs like crazy. … It got a little dust on it but I doubt that it’s rusty.”

The second half kickout should come around 10:30 p.m. ET.

[lawrence-related id=21352,21315,21260]

Photos: David Benavidez, Jose Benavidez Jr. work out for media

Photos: David Benavidez and Jose Benavidez Jr. on Friday conducted a workout for the media ahead of their fights on Nov. 25 in Las Vegas.

Brothers David Benavidez and Jose Benavidez Jr. on Friday conducted a workout for the media at their Seattle-area gym ahead of their pay-per-view fights on Nov. 25 in Las Vegas.

David Benavidez is scheduled to face Demetrius Andrade in a 168-pound bout. Jose Benavidez will take on Jermall Charlo in a 160-pound fight.

Here are images from the event. All photos by Victor Ren of Showtime.

[lawrence-related id=39316,39299]

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward after his dominating victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday.

Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.

The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.

He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.

However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)

Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.

Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)

Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.

The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.

Alvarez dismissed that possibility.

“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.

He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.

Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)

Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.

That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.

God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.

DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.

The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.

Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.

JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)

Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.

It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.

Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.

[lawrence-related id=39227,39198,39194]

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward after his dominating victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday.

Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.

The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.

He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.

However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)

Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.

Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)

Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.

The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.

Alvarez dismissed that possibility.

“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.

He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.

Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)

Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.

That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.

God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.

DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.

The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.

Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.

JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)

Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.

It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.

Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.

[lawrence-related id=39227,39198,39194]

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo: 20 numbers that provide some perspective

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo: 20 numbers that provide some perspective.

The pay-per-view clash between 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez and challenger Jermell Charlo on Saturday in Las Vegas is intriguing on many levels.

You can start with the fact that Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) and Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) are Top 10 pound-for-pounders and go from there.

Here are 20 figures that might help illustrate how special this matchup is.

0

Number of opponents Charlo has failed to defeat. He stopped Tony Harrison and Brian Castano in rematches after a loss and draw.

1

Number of undisputed 168-pound champions (all the major titles) in the four-belt era, Alvarez.

1

Number of times Charlo has fought in each of the past three years.

2

Number of undisputed championships Charlo will hold simultaneously if he wins, which would be a first in the four-belt era.

2-1

Alvarez’s record against current Hall of Famers. He defeated Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto but lost to Floyd Mayweather.

4

Charlo’s height advantage over Alvarez in inches. He’ll also have a 2½-inch edge in reach.

7-1-1

Charlo’s record in world title fights.

7 and 8

Alvarez and Charlo’s respective rankings on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list.

8

Number of knockouts by Charlo in his last nine victories.

8-0

Alvarez’s record at 168 pounds.

9

Undefeated fighters Alvarez has beaten, not counting those making their pro debuts.

13

Number of fighters from the United States Alvarez has fought. He beat all but one, Floyd Mayweather.

14

Number of pounds heavier Alvarez was than Charlo in each’s most recent fight.

16

Number of times Alvarez has fought in Las Vegas. Charlo has fought there eight times.

16½

Number of months since Charlo will have been in the ring.

19-2-1

Alvarez’s record in major world title fights. Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol beat him; he and Gennadiy Golovkin drew in their first fight.

33

The age of both men.

33

Number of combined years Alvarez (18) and Charlo (15) have boxed professionally.

94-3-2

Combined record of Alvarez and Charlo, with 58 knockouts.

728

Number of combined professional rounds of Alvarez (472) and Charlo (256).

[lawrence-related id=39092,39060,39057,39055,39035,39026,39015,38983,38970,38956,38861,38853]

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo: 20 numbers that provide some perspective

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo: 20 numbers that provide some perspective.

The pay-per-view clash between 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez and challenger Jermell Charlo on Saturday in Las Vegas is intriguing on many levels.

You can start with the fact that Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) and Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) are Top 10 pound-for-pounders and go from there.

Here are 20 figures that might help illustrate how special this matchup is.

0

Number of opponents Charlo has failed to defeat. He stopped Tony Harrison and Brian Castano in rematches after a loss and draw.

1

Number of undisputed 168-pound champions (all the major titles) in the four-belt era, Alvarez.

1

Number of times Charlo has fought in each of the past three years.

2

Number of undisputed championships Charlo will hold simultaneously if he wins, which would be a first in the four-belt era.

2-1

Alvarez’s record against current Hall of Famers. He defeated Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto but lost to Floyd Mayweather.

4

Charlo’s height advantage over Alvarez in inches. He’ll also have a 2½-inch edge in reach.

7-1-1

Charlo’s record in world title fights.

7 and 8

Alvarez and Charlo’s respective rankings on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list.

8

Number of knockouts by Charlo in his last nine victories.

8-0

Alvarez’s record at 168 pounds.

9

Undefeated fighters Alvarez has beaten, not counting those making their pro debuts.

13

Number of fighters from the United States Alvarez has fought. He beat all but one, Floyd Mayweather.

14

Number of pounds heavier Alvarez was than Charlo in each’s most recent fight.

16

Number of times Alvarez has fought in Las Vegas. Charlo has fought there eight times.

16½

Number of months since Charlo will have been in the ring.

19-2-1

Alvarez’s record in major world title fights. Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol beat him; he and Gennadiy Golovkin drew in their first fight.

33

The age of both men.

33

Number of combined years Alvarez (18) and Charlo (15) have boxed professionally.

94-3-2

Combined record of Alvarez and Charlo, with 58 knockouts.

728

Number of combined professional rounds of Alvarez (472) and Charlo (256).

[lawrence-related id=39092,39060,39057,39055,39035,39026,39015,38983,38970,38956,38861,38853]

Canelo Alvarez, Jermell Charlo inspired, locked in at kickoff news conference

Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo were motivated and locked in at the kickoff news conference for their showdown on Sept. 30.

No trash talk. No drama. Just two deadly serious, focused fighters.

That was the tone at the kickoff news conference Tuesday afternoon in New York City to promote the pay-per-view fight between undisputed champions Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The fighters demonstrated nothing but respect for one another — even shaking hands after their stare down — and promised a battle to remember.

“I’m happy to be in this position right now, in the big fights,” said Alvarez, the 168-pound champion. “Jermell Charlo is a great fighter, the undisputed champion in his weight class (154). He takes challenges like me.

“I always take risks. We love being involved in these kind of fights.”

Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) was expected to face Charlo’s brother, 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo. However, promoters threw everyone a curve when they announced the smaller, but more accomplished sibling would be the opponent.

The Mexican star has been at or near the top of all pound-for-pound lists while Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) has steadily climbed them, the result of a series of high-profile victories.

And while Charlo has never taken part in a super fight like this one, he seemed to handle the bright spotlight well at the opening news conference at Palladium Times Square.

He looked intense, perhaps a bit nervous as he walked to the center stage after he was introduced. However, he was at ease during his opening statement and when he fielded questions from moderator Brian Custer of Showtime.

The big question for Charlo is size, as he will be moving up two weight classes to face a future Hall of Famer. Charlo is taller than Alvarez and didn’t look appreciably thinner but he’s accustomed to trading punches with 154-pounders, not those at 168.

He acknowledged the challenge but believes the importance of size is overblown.

“A lot of guys are worrying about the wrong things,” he said, “moving up in weight, doing this and doing that. When you want to win something this big you gotta risk it all. That’s part of this moment.”

He added later: “I know I’m moving up two weight divisions. Who cares? Who gives a damn? That won’t stop how I do it and the way I do it. I’m excited for this moment.”

Alvarez was more relaxed when he walked to the middle of the stage, smiling and waving to those in attendance. He has been here a million times.

He’s clearly motivated, though. The long-time face of the sport is arguably at a crossroads. He lost his first fight in almost a decade when he was easily outpointed by 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol in May of last year and he looked so-so in subsequent decisions over rival Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder.

As a result, many have come to the conclusion that Alvarez is in decline at 33, this in spite of the fact that he has been fighting with an injured left wrist. He had surgery after the Golovkin fight.

He implied two things on Tuesday: that his wrist is fully healed and that the magnitude of the event has lit a fire underneath him.

“It’s good that people are talking about that,” Alvarez said. “It’s fine. I don’t look good in these two past fights … but I know why. But I’m ready, I’m different now. I prepare myself for different kinds of fights. Every fight is different.

“This is a different fight. And I’m focused on it.”

Charlo also is motivated by those who might dismiss him, meaning both men have something to prove. That could be the theme of this matchup.

“I just really want to quiet by haters, quiet my doubters,” he said, “to turn non-believers into believers. I’ve watched a bunch of different examples of great people in the sport of boxing. I think this is the best time and the best moment for me. … When the moment presented itself, under the PBC banner, it was a no brainer to make it happen.

“Yeah, we both have mandatories, we both have different things. But the hell with that when you have something as big as this.”

[lawrence-related id=37985,37961,37894,37213,30209]

Canelo Alvarez, Jermell Charlo inspired, locked in at kickoff news conference

Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo were motivated and locked in at the kickoff news conference for their showdown on Sept. 30.

No trash talk. No drama. Just two deadly serious, focused fighters.

That was the tone at the kickoff news conference Tuesday afternoon in New York City to promote the pay-per-view fight between undisputed champions Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The fighters demonstrated nothing but respect for one another — even shaking hands after their stare down — and promised a battle to remember.

“I’m happy to be in this position right now, in the big fights,” said Alvarez, the 168-pound champion. “Jermell Charlo is a great fighter, the undisputed champion in his weight class (154). He takes challenges like me.

“I always take risks. We love being involved in these kind of fights.”

Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) was expected to face Charlo’s brother, 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo. However, promoters threw everyone a curve when they announced the smaller, but more accomplished sibling would be the opponent.

The Mexican star has been at or near the top of all pound-for-pound lists while Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) has steadily climbed them, the result of a series of high-profile victories.

And while Charlo has never taken part in a super fight like this one, he seemed to handle the bright spotlight well at the opening news conference at Palladium Times Square.

He looked intense, perhaps a bit nervous as he walked to the center stage after he was introduced. However, he was at ease during his opening statement and when he fielded questions from moderator Brian Custer of Showtime.

The big question for Charlo is size, as he will be moving up two weight classes to face a future Hall of Famer. Charlo is taller than Alvarez and didn’t look appreciably thinner but he’s accustomed to trading punches with 154-pounders, not those at 168.

He acknowledged the challenge but believes the importance of size is overblown.

“A lot of guys are worrying about the wrong things,” he said, “moving up in weight, doing this and doing that. When you want to win something this big you gotta risk it all. That’s part of this moment.”

He added later: “I know I’m moving up two weight divisions. Who cares? Who gives a damn? That won’t stop how I do it and the way I do it. I’m excited for this moment.”

Alvarez was more relaxed when he walked to the middle of the stage, smiling and waving to those in attendance. He has been here a million times.

He’s clearly motivated, though. The long-time face of the sport is arguably at a crossroads. He lost his first fight in almost a decade when he was easily outpointed by 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol in May of last year and he looked so-so in subsequent decisions over rival Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder.

As a result, many have come to the conclusion that Alvarez is in decline at 33, this in spite of the fact that he has been fighting with an injured left wrist. He had surgery after the Golovkin fight.

He implied two things on Tuesday: that his wrist is fully healed and that the magnitude of the event has lit a fire underneath him.

“It’s good that people are talking about that,” Alvarez said. “It’s fine. I don’t look good in these two past fights … but I know why. But I’m ready, I’m different now. I prepare myself for different kinds of fights. Every fight is different.

“This is a different fight. And I’m focused on it.”

Charlo also is motivated by those who might dismiss him, meaning both men have something to prove. That could be the theme of this matchup.

“I just really want to quiet by haters, quiet my doubters,” he said, “to turn non-believers into believers. I’ve watched a bunch of different examples of great people in the sport of boxing. I think this is the best time and the best moment for me. … When the moment presented itself, under the PBC banner, it was a no brainer to make it happen.

“Yeah, we both have mandatories, we both have different things. But the hell with that when you have something as big as this.”

[lawrence-related id=37985,37961,37894,37213,30209]