Talks Underway For Caleb Plant Vs. Jermall Charlo

Talks are underway for a fight between Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo for a super middleweight fight in the first half of 2026. 

The pair have a history of bad blood ever since Plant slapped Charlo at the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford weigh-in. Plant alleged that Charlo had disrespected him in front of his wife, even including pulling his beard. 

“A man has got a right to defend himself. A grown man touch another grown man in his face, pulling on his beard real hard. I’ve got the decency to tell you not to do that again and I don’t spazz on you right there. I got my wife standing right behind me and I’m in a room full of my peers. I mean, what do you do? You’re making it real hard on a guy. You’re really putting his back to the wall, when you start doing all that s—t, you know, in front of my wife and everybody in the room. I done asked you to quit f—ing with me,” Plant said

Charlo stopped Thomas LaManna in his last fight, which was on his debut at super middleweight. It marked his first win since beating Jose Benavidez Jr. in 2023. Meanwhile, Plant suffered a split decision defeat to WBA interim champ Armando Resendiz in May. That meant Plant has lost three of his last five fights. 

The Approach

Plant’s path to victory lies in his defense, slick movement, and tactical frustration. Plant must ensure the fight is contested on his terms—at the mid-to-long range. His primary tactical objective will be to control the ring, using sharp lateral movement and intelligent footwork to keep Charlo turning and resetting, thereby preventing Charlo from planting his feet to unleash his power. Plant must utilize a consistent, accurate jab as his primary weapon, not just for scoring, but to gauge distance and interrupt Charlo’s forward momentum. He will be looking to counter Charlo.

Charlo’s strategy is built entirely on using his natural size, explosive one-punch power, and aggressive mindset. He must cut off the ring effectively, trapping Plant against the ropes and forcing him into uncomfortable, close-range exchanges. Charlo will need to feint his way into range, using his powerful jab to walk Plant down, before unleashing his signature hooks and uppercuts.