Bernard Hopkins believes that former Golden Boy promotional asset and current undisputed world super-middleweight world champion, Canelo Alvarez, is reaching the end of his career as Premier Boxing Champions finally confirmed his expected September 30th undisputed super-middleweight title defence. The event, titled “Undisputed vs Undisputed”, will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Canelo will defend his 168lb crown against Jermell Charlo, who currently holds the undisputed championship two weights below at super-welterweight. Jermell will lose that distinction as undisputed champion as soon as the opening bell rings between himself and Canelo following a WBO ruling in recent days, which will see current interim champion Tim Tszyu elevated to full world champion status.
It is still being determined if Charlo is set to be stripped of any other world titles he currently holds at the time of publication.
Despite Charlo stepping up two weight classes with a jump in weight of 14lbs, Hopkins believes the contest between the pair is a competitive affair. Speaking to FightHype, Hopkins eludes to his belief that Canelo his time is “up” and that as the fight goes deeper into the twelve-round distance, Canelo will start to show his age.
“His style is totally different from the styles that Canelo has fought. [Charlo is] younger, more determined to prove that Canelo’s time has been great, but it’s up.
“I just believe that Canelo will have to get him out of there early. The later the fight goes, the more Canelo will start showing not only his age, but he’ll start showing the success he’s been enjoying for so long is starting to look different.”
Golden Boy promotional partner, Hopkins continues to add that he believes that the style of Charlo will give Canelo “nightmares” despite never giving a prediction to the outlet regarding a result.
“I see hard-earned, skilful moments in that fight where [Charlo], who wants to prove himself, will come out and show us something that we knew he had but he’s never had to show it till he steps in with Canelo.
"Canelo elevates Charlo. I just think he has the skills, and if he maintains that mentality, it can be really a nightmare for Canelo, based on style.”
