Jermall Charlo Is Back

Jermall Charlo has returned to big-time boxing with reports he will fight on a PBC card on May 31. 

Reports indicate he will return on a Caleb Plant card in Las Vegas. Charlo is the former WBC Middleweight Champion. He acquired the belt after beating Brandon Adams in 2019. He made three defenses of his title, as he became one of the biggest names in the sport. However, his career took a nosedive after he took a break from the sport. He suffered from mental health struggles as there were question marks over whether he would return.

He eventually made his return in 2023 when he faced off against Jose Benavidez Jr. Charlo won a one-sided unanimous decision, as he made it clear that he was back. He was linked with a Canelo fight before the Benavidez bout, only for his brother Jermell Charlo to get it. He was also slapped by Caleb Plant during an altercation in the aftermath of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford weigh-in. Plant accused Charlo of disrespecting him, fuelling the narrative that they would eventually fight. The pair even exchanged words over a future fight. 

Plant Vs. Charlo

“This is me hitting you up  @futureofboxing. You’ve said my name more than once since our last encounter, so I’m starting to feel like you just don’t learn so now that you got the easy part done “talking about it,” hopefully we can move forward and finish what YOU started. If you aren’t looking for that then it’s probably best that you just leave me be. Y’all know me, I’m cool going our separate ways, I’m also cool locking horns and rolling the dice,” Plant said 

“Y’all want Caleb Plant? Caleb Plant, hit me up. I’ll do Caleb Plant. Y’all want me to give you Caleb Plant? I’ll give you Caleb Plant. It’s fun,” Charlo stated 

What’s Next?

However, Charlo did not secure a fight. He was then apprehended by the authorities over a DWI arrest. Charlo was also vocal about not being on speaking terms with his brother, Jermell. His return raises question marks over who he will face next. The fight against Plant would be the one that sells the most, given their recent history. Plant is also the WBA Interim Super Middleweight Champion, having stopped Trevor McCumby in his last bout.

The winner then reaffirms their position as a leading contender to face Canelo Alvarez for undisputed and secure a huge payday. Alternatively, there are other fighters in the division for Charlo. He could face off against some other big names, such as Edgar Berlanga or even Canelo. Berlanga’s only loss came against Canelo, but he bounced back from the loss with a stoppage win against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz. Meanwhile, Canelo has a four-fought deal with the Saudis. Alvarez already beat Jermall’s brother, Jermell, putting the narrative in place for a rematch. Jermall will hope he can return with a bang.