Boxing

Can Jermell Charlo only beat Canelo Alvarez by knockout? Fight preview, predictions & more on Fightin’ Words

One of the biggest fights of the year has finally arrived. Canelo Alvarez defends his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion against undisputed super welterweight king Jermell Charlo on September 30. Both warriors have dominated the sport for years, with bragging rights on the line at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Despite his obvious quality, Charlo has not become a mainstay on boxing’s pound-for-pound lists, whether due to inactivity or the caliber of opponents. An epic triumph over Canelo, who is ranked fourth on Sporting News’ P4P list, would change things dramatically. But can Charlo actually win the fight, and if so, would it have to be via knockout?

Given the fight is in Las Vegas, Canelo has what amounts to a hometown advantage. However, at 33, and after fighting through multiple battles, is the Mexican star on the decline? Errol Spence Jr. was on top of his game when a hungry Terence Crawford decimated him a few months ago. Can Charlo produce a similar showing against the super middleweight champ?

With questions surrounding both, who needs a win more? Reputations, gold, money, and a potential match against Crawford are all on the line. A win for Charlo will see the Texan emerge as a superstar, whereas a win forces him back to the drawing board. Canelo is already considered a great, but a loss definitely hurts him.

WATCH: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo, live on DAZN

On the latest episode of Fightin’ Words, The Sporting News’ Andreas Hale and Carlan Gay are joined by former boxing champion Shawn Porter to break down the undisputed super middleweight title clash, including the following topics: 

  • Is Canelo at the end of his career or is there more to come?
  • Shawn Porter discusses what happens after an elite fighter ages
  • Fight predictions

MORE from The Sporting News: 

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