After a 15-month break following his loss to Canelo Alvarez, Jermell Charlo is back in the gym preparing for his return to the ring in 2025. The former undisputed junior middleweight champion (35-2-1, 19 KOs) has been recuperating since his disappointing performance against Canelo on September 30, 2023, where he lost by a wide unanimous decision.
While some fans joke on social media that Jermell Charlo blew the $20 million paycheck from the Canelo fight, Charlo made the wise choice to refocus on his boxing career. His return could bring significant opportunities, especially with the backing of Turki Al-Sheikh and potential high-profile cards in Riyadh.
However, Charlo’s return to the 154-pound division may not be as straightforward. The weight class has seen significant growth over the past year, and Charlo will now face a much more competitive landscape. The fighters at the top of the division are arguably more talented than when Charlo held all four belts.
Potential matchups for Charlo include rising stars such as Israil Madrimov, Serhii Bohachuk, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Charles Conwell, and Tim Tszyu, as well as established champions like Bakhram Murtazaliev and Terence Crawford. Of these, a matchup with Murtazaliev, the current IBF champion, seems the most plausible. However, Charlo would likely need a significant financial incentive to land a fight with Crawford.
Many experts believe that the Charlo who struggled against Brian Castaño and Tony Harrison might struggle against the current crop of talent in the 154-pound division. At 35 years old, Charlo isn’t getting any younger, and his window for reclaiming the title of best in the division is narrowing.
If Charlo is to make a successful comeback, he’ll need to stay active in the ring, rather than fighting just once a year. A consistent schedule, beginning in 2025, will be crucial for him to prove he can still compete at the top level.
Leave a Reply