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Jermall Charlo Ready to ‘Take Over 168’

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Joshua Ben Joseph | Last updated May 31, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) has a plan of action ready to take over the 168 lb division.

It has been nearly 2 years since the older Charlo’s last tango inside the ring. And now, as he prepares to put an end to his hiatus on Saturday, with a showdown against Thomas LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs) on the co-main of a Prime Video end, he undoubtedly wants to make sure his comeback counts. In fact, he has a plan of action in mind that could potentially pave the way for three consecutive wins and a position at the top of the division’s pedestal.

Talking to reporters at their official press conference, Charlo promised an explosive comeback while also not undermining his upcoming opponent’s skillset.

“Jermall Charlo is coming back. I’m in way better shape than when I fought [Jose] Benavidez. Stylistically, tactic-wise, LaManna should be a tougher opponent than Benavidez,” he said.

Charlo is no stranger to long hiatuses. While considerable time has passed since his fight against Benavidez, he had taken a longer break, specifically 2.5 years, prior to that fight. While many are anticipating yet another disappearance after the LaManna fight, ‘Hitman’ is certain that the boxing fraternity will see a more driven and hungrier version of him.

And he has no plans of stopping there. Following a potential victory against LaManna, Charlo wants to face Caleb Plant, who is also fighting at the same event, and then Canelo Alvarez.

“I’ll take over the 168-lb division. It’s wide open for me. Y’all got a new contender in the division. The message is: ‘Get ready for me.’ Jermall Charlo. I’m not just coming to win a belt. I want Canelo. I want Plant first, and then maybe Canelo before it’s too late,” he said.

**“Y’all Think He Ain’t Back On That Sh*t”**

Meanwhile, there is no denying that Charlo never misses an opportunity to take a dig at Alvarez. But this time, he might have taken things a tad bit too far by digging up an old skeleton from Alvarez’s past, namely his clenbuterol usage allegation. In Charlo’s words, Alvarez might still be on it.

“They’ve been doing this sh*t for years, but now that they’ve [VADA] have tapped into it, they’re getting caught. Y’all think Canelo hasn’t been taking Clenbuterol for a long a*s time? Y’all think he ain’t back on that sh*t, or y’all think it was just a mistake?” he said while talking to reporters. “I got to Mexico all the time. I’m from Houston, Texas. I’m in Mexico all the time eating steak. I ain’t ever got caught for no sh*t like that. They’re microdosing it. I’m not trying to put nobody out there.”

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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