WBC middleweight champion Jermall ‘Hitman’ Charlo 31-0 (22) says he is a complete fighter who has the tools to both outbox and out-brawl opponent Juan Macias Montiel 22-4-2 (22) at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday night.
“I’m blessed to be in this position to showcase my talent. Camp was awesome. I’ve had great sparring throughout and I’m ready,” the 31-year-old Charlo said.
“On Saturday you can expect a hard fight. If he comes at me the same way everyone comes at me, you’re going to see the same Jermall Charlo. I can deliver explosive knockouts, go 12 rounds or beat you down from start to finish.
“If he’s strong like they say he is, I’ll show you my movement and attack the body. I have all the skills and ability of every other great middleweight throughout history.
“He’s strong, but I fight strong fighters. I spar heavy fighters all the time. I’m strong too, right? I’m not worried about his power. This is my hometown and I’m going to stay champion. The talk about his power is just going to make me fight harder.”
Charlo has been chasing big fights against IBF champion Gennadiy Golovkin 41-1-1 (36), WBO titleholder Demetrius Andrade 30-0 (18) and Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 56-1-2 (38) who now competes at super middleweight, but so far the high profile opponents have eluded him.
Charlo warned Mexican Montiel, 27, that he would be taking a big step up in class from his recent opposition.
“This is a real fight. This isn’t James Kirkland or Hugo Centeno Jr,” Charlo said. “You’re only as good as your last fight. There are levels to this and I’m going to show what level I’m on Saturday.
“If he’s that good and if his team has a game plan that no one else has used before, then I’ll accept it. But I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m going to show it.
“I’m honoured to be fighting on Juneteenth with the opportunity to represent my people. I get to fight for all my ancestors who fought before me. I love it and I’m focused.
“Every fighter wants the belt. I remember being in that position, but I’m even hungrier now. I’m not sleeping on anybody. I’m still young in my career. I can’t make any mistakes right now. I know he’s coming to fight.
“I am not overlooking Montiel. Saturday is a holiday and that’s great. But I put my life on the line every time I get into the ring. I can’t overlook this guy. He says he trained hard, but I trained way harder.
“June 19 is going to be a party. Everyone get ready for a show. I’m coming for a fight. I’m putting it all on the line. This is going to be one of the fights where I do what I say I’m going to do.”
Montiel said he has a surprise in store for Charlo.
“I had an unbelievable training camp,” he said. “It was the best camp of my entire career. It was very tough physically, but I feel great right now. We’ve worked hard to bring another world champion to Mexico.
“I plan to show everything we’ve worked on in training camp on Saturday night. We’ve worked on a variety of techniques and styles to use in this fight. I’m excited to show them in the ring.
“I was the underdog in the James Kirkland fight and everyone saw what happened. I wasn’t training the way I do now when I fought Hugo Centeno Jr to a draw. I know that I have the best middleweight in front of me, so I knew that I had to train harder than ever for this fight.
“I believe that if he wants to trade punches with me, he’s going to be sorry that he chose that strategy.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. On Saturday night I’m going to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion. No matter what it takes.”
