Bernard Hopkins believes Canelo Alvarez’s long career could catch up with him when he faces Jermell Charlo at the end of this month.
Canelo enters the fight a significant favourite holding a substantial size advantage, but Charlo is relishing the step up and Hopkins believes having a point to prove could benefit the man from Texas.
Charlo has been the dominant fighter at 154lbs for a number of years but stepping up to super-middleweight is going to be an epic challenge.
Both fighters are the same age but with Canelo possessing a much larger record, Charlo is likely to be the fresher man and Hopkins is of the opinion that could be very beneficial.
“His style is totally different from the styles that Canelo has fought,” said Hopkins when speaking to FightHype. [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.
“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.”