Derrick James Explains his Strategy for Jermell Charlo to Edge Canelo Alvarez
On September 30, we’ll see two undisputed champions square off in a surprising matchup. 168-pound champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (59-2-2, 39KOs) will put his titles on the line against 154-pound champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (35-1-1, 19KOs). The bout gives Iron Man an opportunity to become a two-division undisputed champion. To help him spring the upset, his trainer, Derrick James, knows the approach he Charlo to take toward the Alvarez fight.
SMALLER AND FASTER IS BETTER
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, James said the following:
“For him, it’s about speed and athleticism, so I don’t think you should gain too much weight. I don’t think you should come in at 168 for no reason at all. Your abilities and your athleticism — your advantages — are the key elements. You don’t want to take away what your advantage is.”
“I say 163 or 164; you know that’s what I believe. I want to be fast, I want to be athletic, and I want to be mobile. The heavier you are, maybe you’ll be a little bit more lethargic and slower. You know you have to be faster and more athletic.”
“The advantage that Canelo has always had is that he’s always been the smaller guy moving up. So the smaller guys are always faster than the heavier guys; no matter how good these guys are, he’s always been faster than them. But now he’s faced with fighting a guy who’s smaller than he is. So hence, Jermell will be a lot faster than him.”
Past the weight differences, in terms of skills, this is an evenly matched fight. However, fights aren’t fought and won on paper. It’s going to be very interesting to see how these two champions approach the fight once the bell rings.
