Jermell Charlo Believes He Has To Prove He’s Still The Top Guy Against Brian Castano

Jermell Charlo believes the pressure is on him to prove he’s still the top guy.

Charlo is set to rematch Brian Castano on Saturday night as he’s defending his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring light middleweight titles while he’s fighting for Castano’s WBO light middleweight title. It’s an intriguing matchup given they fought last July to a draw and now, Charlo says he has to prove he still is the top guy on Saturday.

“I want to knock this guy out,” said Charlo (via BoxingScene). “This is the Jermell from earlier, back when I was fighting four-rounders and I was trying to end those fights. I want to be that guy for 12 rounds now.”

Having looked back on the fight, Charlo believes he should’ve got his hand raised so now the pressure is on him to get the knockout as he can’t leave it to the judges. If he can get the stoppage win over Castano, he believes that proves to everyone that Jermell Charlo is still one of the best.

“Once the story is written and the book is finished, everyone’s going to come back and say that Jermell Charlo did a really good job at 154,” Charlo said. “I held it down. I’m proud of what I’ve done in the division, but I have to get Castano out of the way. I have to show all the fans why I’m the number one guy that’s been the number one guy for so many years…

“I’m locked in a little bit different this time,” Charlo concluded. “I’m more dedicated than I’ve ever been. I’m hungrier. I don’t know what’s next after this opportunity in my life and I’m glad that God gave me the opportunity to face the same guy and just put on a better performance. This is about me being the best Jermell Charlo.”

Do you think Jermell Charlo will beat Brian Castano on Saturday?