Comeback with an announcement: Jermell Charlo plans his return to the half-middle – and still sees himself as the king of the weight class.
After his disappointing defeat to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023, former world champion Jermell Charlo is back – and has announced his return with confidence. The 35-year-old wrote on Instagram: “My two-year break was not voluntary. I listened, I watched – now it’s my turn. I’m back, sharper than ever, and I’m taking back everything they thought they took from me.”
Charlo had given up his status as undisputed semi-middleweight champion at the time to take on Canelo at super-middleweight – a move that did not pay off. He was clearly defeated on points and has since largely disappeared from the scene. Now he seems ready to take off again – back in his old weight class.
A lot has changed in the super welterweight division since then: Sebastian Fundora (WBC), Xander Zayas (WBO), Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF) and Terence Crawford (WBA) currently hold the world championship belts. For Charlo, however, none of these are opponents who could pose a threat to him – or so he believes. “I’m still the best in this weight class – and now I want to prove it to everyone.” A specific opponent or date has not yet been set, but one thing is certain: the “Iron Man” from Houston wants his place at the top back – with all his might.
Text by Robin Josten