On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The return of former world champions Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo to the ring for separate tune-up bouts on May 31st promises to be an intriguing night for boxing fans. Action will begin at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas for the PBC on Championship Boxing event. Fans will require an Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99 per month) in order to watch the eagerly awaited matchups live on Prime Video, even though this is not a pay-per-view event.
These bouts are important career stepping stones for Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) and Caleb Plant (22-2, 13 KOs), who have both been out of the ring for a while. The last time Plant, the former IBF super middleweight champion, competed, he lost by decision to David Benavidez in March 2023. He is keen to demonstrate that he is still a member of the division's best after taking a break to reevaluate his career.
The unbeaten WBC middleweight champion, Jermall Charlo, has been out of action for even longer; he last competed in June 2021. He was delayed by personal problems and injuries, but he is now making his eagerly awaited comeback. To get off the rust before aiming for bigger battles, Charlo is anticipated to take on a respectable opponent, however the opponent has not yet been revealed.
With Canelo Álvarez as the undisputed champion, the super middleweight division of boxing is still one of the most competitive. After losing to Canelo in 2021, Plant is still hoping to get a rematch or a high-profile bout against another elite opponent, such as Charlo, Jaime Munguia, or David Benavidez.
Charlo's transition to super middleweight may pave the way for highly anticipated bouts. He might set himself up for a big fight in late 2024 or early 2025 if he puts on a strong performance on May 31st.
Boxing fans should not miss this PBC event on Prime Video, as both competitors are hoping to make an impression in their comeback fights. World titles may not be on the line, but the results might have a significant impact on the 168-pound division's future.
More must-reads:
- Anze Kopitar, one of NHL's most underappreciated stars, is retiring after this season
- Concerning report emerges about Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin's health
- The 'Switch-hitter single-season HR leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Top Rank signals confidence, signs Scooter Davis amid broadcast uncertainty
Top Rank Boxing have consistently been near the top of boxing and involved in some of the biggest cards. In recent months, they have faced considerable criticism due to their lack of a broadcasting deal since their contract with ESPN expired at the end of July. Despite the public uncertainty surrounding the promotional powerhouse, they have announced the signing of undefeated lightweight KO artist Scooter Davis (8-0, 8 KOs). Top Rank make new signing despite uncertain broadcasting future Top Rank’s fight cards were shown on ESPN for eight years, and it appeared the promotional giant were confident about announcing a new broadcast agreement. As the days and weeks have ticked by, no news regarding a deal has been announced, with growing speculation online that the future of the promotional giant is uncertain. “Within the next few weeks,” Arum told BoxingScene when asked when he expects their new agreements to be secured. “It’s a little complicated, because when we were with ESPN it was one outlet – ESPN – and now there’ll be three outlets with Top Rank Boxing. “More [dates] than we have now. Both streaming and free to air. “Our contract is over at the end of July.” It is now September 18, and despite no agreement being announced, they have made a move for the future, signing the undefeated Davis. Bob Arum reacts to Scooter Davis signing The signing of Davis has clearly pleased Bob Arum: “When I saw Scooter fight up close, it was clear that I was watching a future world champion. He is an exceptionally nice young man, but when he steps in the ring, he has a real mean streak,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Mark my words: Scooter Davis will be the next superstar from Washington, D.C.” Davis also revealed his excitement for this big career move: “This is a testament to my hard work and God’s plan for me. People weren’t knocking down my door to sign me when I turned pro, but I trusted the process,” Davis said. “The fact that Top Rank saw something in me means so much. I’m ready to do my thing and show the world what I’m about.” Davis had an impressive amateur record of 158-17. He has sparred a litany of well-known fighters such as Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Stephen Fulton and Shawn Porter. The Fort Washington fighter looks set for a bright future, and if Top Rank are able to secure a good deal, Davis’s career could be seen by plenty of eyes going forward.
Insider Claims Steelers Are Furious With Former 2nd-Round Pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to prove to fans and media pundits alike as a Week 3 contest against the New England Patriots approaches. One of the main concerns thus far has been the defensive front not being able to stop the run. Through two games, the unit has allowed 149.5 yards per game, which is an absolutely ridiculous number for a defense that is labeled as the highest-paid in the NFL. The organization won't have a chance to be competitive in an AFC full of firepower unless Teryl Austin's unit can figure out how to stop opposing offenses. An asterisk can be put next to the first two matchups because rookie first-round selection, Derrick Harmon, hasn't had the opportunity to play, but what has been the most worrisome has been the individuals filling in for him that haven't been able to perform at an encouraging level. One of those players is Keeanu Benton, a former second-round pick who has not blossomed into the player that the team wanted him to be. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo appeared on a practice report show with the Patriots game on the horizon, and went into some more detail about the defensive line. While the team is high on the other rookie in Yahya Black, Dulac noted that there are some real concerns internally about what has happened with Benton over the years. "The key is being able to be physical and be aggressive, but still being able to make the play, and that's what they're hoping to see from [Yahya] Black," Dulac said. "You know, they really like this guy and he's only going to improve in time. The converse of that Ray, and you mentioned Keeanu Benton, was told to me from inside the building, that they actually think he's regressed." There is not a single member of the Steelers' coaching staff or front office that can be pleased if the feeling is that Benton is getting worse. Spending a second-round selection on a member of the front seven on defense is supposed to provide stability, but it has done the exact opposite. It shouldn't surprise anyone if Benton begins to see the field less and less, while Black finds more opportunities to show that he should be playing more often. It's not time to hit the panic button yet in Pittsburgh, but many are very close to doing so. If the run defense continues to get shredded on the ground, there are not going to be many chances to stop any offense that is on the other side of the ball. The Steelers also preach winning the time of possession, something that will be extremely difficult to do if running backs are having their respective ways with Pittsburgh's front seven. It would be exciting to see Harmon and Black in action together. It's possible that they could be the future on the defensive line for the Steelers. Benton's regression can't be looked at as positive in any way, so Dulac's words hint at the very possible fact that the franchise is not happy with the University of Wisconsin graduate. Austin and co. won't tolerate a player getting worse, and then performing poorly on top of it. Steelers Won't Last In The AFC North With Poor Rushing Defense All teams within Pittsburgh's division have capable rushing attacks, even the Cleveland Browns now that rookie Quinshon Judkins is in the fold. It is imperative that the defense in the Steel City figures out how to stop the run, as it will lead to more passing attempts and a better chance to get to quarterbacks. It shouldn't come as a shock if Benton is soon watching from the sidelines more so than he is playing on the field.
Cleveland Browns may be without a Pro Bowler against the Packers, and Green Bay suffers legit scare on Thursday
The Cleveland Browns have their attention on the Green Bay Packers with their first NFC opponent coming to town in Week 3. Cleveland opened the season with two AFC North losses against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens and will now look to get right against perhaps the league’s best team. Green Bay has had the best defense this season through two games the league has and they bring a good quarterback with Jordan Love. Cleveland looks like they’ll get RT Jack Conklin back this week against the Packers, while DT Mike Hall did not participate on Thursday as part of his plan returning from the knee injury. It could be another week before the former second-round pick is out there. Joel Bitonio has not practiced yet this week with a back injury and tomorrow will tell whether or not he will be able to play against the Packers. Returner DeAndre Carter returned to practice for the Browns on Thursday from concussion protocol. The Packers suffer scare with one of their offensive stars Tucker Kraft is one of the league's more underrated tight ends and he suffered a knee tweak at practice on Thursday that was a scare, but he is expected to be fine. The star tight end had 124 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders last week and will be a major weapon that the Packers and Love will look to target. Cleveland’s defense is allowing 146 passing yards per game through two games, which is third in the NFL. The Browns' offense will have to give the defense a chance to stay in this one at home. If Cleveland doesn’t have Bitonio against the Packers, they’ll be turning to backup offensive lineman Tevin Jenkins. Cleveland’s defensive front has been maybe the best in the NFL through the first two games, so they’ll only benefit when they put Hall’s interior rushing ability into the mix. It just may be too early for that to happen in Week 3 against Green Bay. window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-424').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-424').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*');
Bengals QB Joe Burrow has a worrying complication for surgery
The timeline for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's return from a toe injury is murky, and the star has a complication that could delay his surgery, pushing back the time he can play again this season. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Burrow is set to have surgery on his toe on Friday, but that could be pushed back based on how much swelling the quarterback is experiencing. Joe Burrow's swelling is another complication for the Cincinnati Bengals A three-month recovery would put Burrow's return date around Week 16, when the Bengals are set to play the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 21. If the swelling doesn't go away soon, he could miss more time this season. Every game is precious for a Cincinnati team that entered the season believing it could contend for the playoffs. However, the Bengals will be fortunate to be in the chase for a wild-card spot without Burrow for the majority of the season. The Bengals started the season 2-0 with wins over the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, but backup quarterback Jake Browning will have his hands full in the coming weeks, starting with the Minnesota Vikings and elite defensive coordinator Brian Flores on Sunday. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Bengals' 31-27 win over the Jaguars. The turnovers are an issue, and Cincinnati needs to consider pulling off a trade for a quarterback like Jameis Winston of the New York Giants or Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons if it hopes to make the postseason.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
