Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) and Jose Benavidez (28-2-1, 19 KOs) got into a heavy back and forth yesterday on the media call in support of the event headlined by David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade. Charlo appeared not to be too enthused about the call until Benavidez Jr. provoked him, and then the two started to get into. It was likely the jump start it needed for fans to take an interest in the fight after Charlo’s been out of the ring for over two years.
Two things to note about this fight: It will take place at a catchweight of 163 pounds and will be a ten-round non-title fight. The WBC came under fire about this as there is no reason Charlo shouldn’t be forced to defend his title after such a long layoff, especially since there is an interim champion currently by the name of Carlos Adames. After this fight, Charlo alluded to moving up in weight as the catchweight will help him feel out moving up.
Here are some of the quotes from the Zoom call hosted by Brian Custer for Showtime.
Less than 3 weeks until @FutureOfBoxing and @josebenavidezjr go to battle in the co-main event of #BenavidezAndrade 🔥
Follow this thread for quotes from both fighters during today’s virtual press conference 👇#CharloBenavidez pic.twitter.com/617aOBN7JS
— ALL THE SMOKE Boxing (@atsboxing) November 7, 2023
JERMALL CHARLO
“I’m thankful for this second chance to show my greatness. Training camp has been awesome and I’m ready to go. Benavidez is a great fighter and I really don’t have anything bad to say about him. He’s gonna see what it’s about when he’s in there. He can keep running his mouth, because he’s gonna find out.
“My mental abilities have caught up with my physical abilities, so you’re gonna see the best of me. I’m naturally stronger and I’ve really been working on my twitch and my speed. I’ve sparred strong guys, so I should be at the top of my game. I’m ready to blow this dude out.
“I won’t be rusty at all. There’s no excuses in this fight. I hope Benavidez isn’t thinking that I’m gonna be rusty. Because I’ve been working. You’ll see.
“You’re all talk. You ain’t nothing. This is my first step toward potentially fighting at 168 pounds and fighting his brother. This guy here has got little man syndrome. He’s gonna see when he starts eating right hands and jabs.
“He loses at the top level. He’s not his brother. He keeps trying to be his brother, but he’s not that. I respect his brother. I’m not worried about Jose. I’m gonna straight up fight him like a man.
“I’m gonna stand in the pocket and fight you. So you better not run. Come to me. Don’t try to do that awkward southpaw stuff. You’re not like that and you’re not ready for me.
“I’m not sweating him at all. I’m not one of those fighters who’s gonna let you choke me at the weigh-in or anything like that. We’re gonna beat up his whole town.”
JOSE BENAVIDEZ JR.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I feel great and I feel strong. I’m not really gonna do too much talking, because I know Charlo is gonna do his talking, but I don’t care about any of his excuses. He’s gonna see what a real puncher is on fight night.
“You already look scared. It’s gonna be funny when I whoop you. I always keep this same energy. Ask anybody about me.
“I’ve fought at 160 pounds a few times before and I walk around at 180. The lower weights were hard to make. When I fought Danny Garcia, I was at 175 the week of the fight and had to lose 20 pounds. I feel strong now and ready to get this show on the road.
“I do thank him for choosing me to fight him. He’s right about that. It’s gonna be a fantastic night of boxing and we’re both training hard for it.
“When I fought Terence Crawford, it was the same weight I had been fighting at since 14 years old. He’s a world class fighter, don’t get me wrong. But I feel really good at this weight. I’ve always sparred bigger guys and I feel like it’s time for me. I’m in a great place right now.
“You gotta be confident. I don’t think he’s confident in himself. He’s knocked out bums. Watch what happens when I get in there. I’ve been in a tough training camp and sparring for a while. I’m really motivated more than anything.
“I felt good in my last fight stepping up in weight. It’s good to be active and it’s got me feeling very strong going into this fight.”
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