Jermell Charlo sauntered into his Las Vegas press conference with ‘Undisputed’ emblazoned across a black cap, four title belts logos stitched onto a blue tracksuit sleeve and one message for the biggest superstar anywhere in boxing right now.
“I’m a motherf***ing lion,” the American snarled.
Right after also branding himself a warrior who, he insisted, has endured a far greater fight — if not fighters — than his latest rival could ever comprehend.
Boxing: Canelo vs Charlo SUN 1st OCT 12PM AEDT | Tszyu vs Mendoza SUN 15th OCT 12PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
Canelo’s fierce final face-off sets tone | 00:40
That same opponent, too, who he has already questioned publicly.
Just as he did in this one with microphone in hand, saying simply: “There’s a lot of people don’t believe in you”.
To all of which, Canelo Alvarez simply smiled.
“I don’t know what animal I need to say to beat a lion,” he shrugged. “But whatever … I’m that animal.”
After twice being slated to fight undefeated Australian star Tim Tszyu this year, Charlo is now instead just days away from the blockbuster showdown against Alvarez he opted for instead.
A fight that will see the big talking Texan, first, stripped of his WBO strap when entering the ring – and subsequently awarded to interim champ Tszyu – before then throwing hands for those four super middleweight belts held by King Canelo.
Speaking at their hyped fight week press conference, Charlo started out, somewhat surprisingly, by praising his fellow undisputed superstar, who he suggested had no more to prove in the sport.
But soon after, the man who reckons he beats a “motherf…ing lion” said that wasn’t quite correct.
“I feel great, feel ready,” Canelo started, speaking with a noticeably improved English.
“And yes, Jermell is right, I have nothing to prove.
“But I have something to prove to him.
“Because he never believes in my skills, is always calling me out.
“So now I have the opportunity to show him my skills. I’m ready to show everybody my skills.”
Asked why, and how, he was different to anyone Charlo had faced, Alvarez grinned again.
“He’s gunna feel it,” he started.
“It’s hard to say and explain, but it’s something different.
“And he’s going to realise that.
“He’s never been with a fighter like me.”
To which Charlo responded: “That’s what I’m here for.
“What I’m made for.
“I’m a warrior.
“Canelo has never seen a fighter of my calibre
“He’s seen a lot of fighters, been in with a lot of great fighters.
“But I bring something different. It’s going to be one of those attention grabbing moments.
“Little Charlo come to fight, Little Charlo come to win.”
Boxing: Canelo vs Charlo SUN 1st OCT 12PM AEDT | Tszyu vs Mendoza SUN 15th OCT 12PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
‘I defy the science of boxing’: Charlo | 02:08
To which Alvarez suggested he had never underestimated Little Charlo, while also warning again he has shared the ring with a long list of world champion fighters.
“Not Jermell Charlo,” came the reply.
“You don’t know,” Canelo responded, going again. “You don’t experience this level of fight.
“You will see, and you will learn.”
Elsewhere in the press conference, Alvarez explained again that while he could never win over the media suggesting he had lost a step – “they always have something to say” – he could prove a point to Charlo.
“I always train 100 per cent, but this fight it’s more because I have this motivation,” the champ said.
“He doesn’t believe in my skills.
“He’s always calling me out and I’m ready to show him in a couple of days.”
To which the Texan says what?
“That’s just what it is,” Charlo shrugged.
“I’m coming to win this fight.
“No matter what you say, believe in your skills or not.
“And if that’s his motivation, to prove (his) skills, so be it … there’s a lot of people that don’t believe in you.”
Asked why he could move up two weight classes and defy the odds, Charlo continued: “Because I defined the science of boxing.
“I’m one of the guys from the younger era.
“I’ve fought my whole life.
“What I been through in life, I feel like a lot of people can’t compare. He (Alvarez) has never been through that.
“Moving up two weight divisions, coming through injuries, doing this and that … I deserve to be in my position.
“And now I get to prove my skills and worthiness.”
‘Work ethic’ How Mendoza will end Tszyu | 01:53
Speaking later with Showtime analysts Brian Campbell and Luke Thomas, Alvarez explained why he had brought more intensity to this press conference than earlier meetings between the pair.
“I don’t like being fake,” he said.
“He’s been calling me out, talking s…; I have nothing to prove to the people but I have something to prove to him.
“And he’s a great fighter, I don’t say he’s not.
“But I’m motivated because he is one of the guys calling me out for a long time.
“Now I have the opportunity to show him why I’m at the top.”
Asked why he was different to anyone Charlo had faced he continued: “It’s hard to explain, but what you feel when you step into the ring with me, it’s different.
“I’m a different animal.”
Speaking with the same interviewers soon after, Charlo said: “It’s time to go.
“I got to prove (myself) to the world, a bunch of doubters and people who don’t expect me to do well.
“Canelo thinks me coming up from 154, he’s fighting a smaller guy, lighter puncher and he’ll be able to walk through these shots or, I dunno … I dunno what’s in his head.
“But I’m no tune up, I’m no step around.
“There’s a reason this is undisputed versus undisputed, king versus king
“I give Canelo his respect in boxing.
“And he’s done an awesome job, packs a great crowd.
“But they can’t fight for you.”
Should he upset Alvarez Sunday, the American said he goes straight into a rematch – and another huge payday.
“Win this and they instantly start talking numbers,” he said. “Throw the bag at me.”
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