Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions / Courtesy
Joeshon James, sparring partner of Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, spoke about how he helped the Mexican in his preparation for the fight against Jermell Charlo on September 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where the undisputed super middleweight championship will be at stake.
In an interview with Boxing News, James felt very honored to be considered for Canelo Álvarez’s camp and indicated that He did a great job putting pressure on the Mexican to be fully ready for the confrontation against Charlo.
“I know they chose me for my height, reach and speed, and I think I have given Canelo a great job. I know I have really learned a lot from this experience. Canelo is a very competitive guy, and so am I. So things got heated at times. I know why I’m here and I’m not trying to hurt the champion before a big fight. But at the same time I’m not anyone’s punching bag,” he said.
“At the end of the day, I think I pushed him enough to be ready on fight night., but not so much that there is nothing left. In fact, I am excited to see how he will perform against Charlo next Saturday,” added the 25-year-old sparring partner.
Regarding who could come out with his arm raised on September 30, Joeshon James did not want to give any prediction because he believes it will be a difficult fight, but he assured that He will feel like he did his part if Canelo Alvarez easily defeats Jermell Charlo.
“I’m not going to make a prediction for this fight because I’m competing on the undercard. But I’m very interested to see how he looks against a live dog like Charlo. No fight is easy at this level. But if Canelo makes another undisputed champion look like an easy job, I’ll know I did my part”, he expressed.
The predictions for the undisputed duel between Canelo Álvarez and Jermell Charlo are divided. While Some assure that the Mexican will comfortably beat the American, others think that the undisputed 154-pound champion could surprise and end the reign of Guadalajara at super middleweight. If he achieved this, he would make history and become – like his compatriots Terence Crawford and Claressa Shields – the only boxers to be undisputed in two weight categories.
Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, 33, He defeated John Ryder by unanimous decision of the judges last May in Mexico after 12 years of absence from his homeland. The boxer from Guadalajara has a record of 59 victories (39 by knockout) and two defeats in his career.
For his part, Jermell Charlo, 33, last entered the ring in May 2022 when he knocked out Argentine Brian Castaño in the rematch and was crowned the undisputed 154-pound champion. The American has a record of 35 wins, 19 by fast track, one setback and one draw.
Keep reading:
· Ronnie Shields advises Jermell Charlo not to think about the judges during his fight with Canelo Álvarez
· Brian Castaño believes that Jermell Charlo can beat Canelo Álvarez: “He has great possibilities”
· “Close fight”: Brian Mendoza chooses his favorite between Canelo Álvarez and Jermell Charlo