What’s Next For Jermell Charlo?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 1:35 AM ET

Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed junior middleweight champion, is plotting his return to the ring and has five major names in his sights.

Since his loss to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023, Charlo’s future has been a hot topic, especially after he vacated all his belts at 154 pounds. But the “Iron Man” has made it clear he intends to jump back into the mix with the sport’s elite.

List Of Opponents

Errol Spence Jr.: Charlo has been vocal about this matchup, even posting a picture of a lion eating a shark—a clear jab at Spence, who hasn’t fought since his own loss to Terence Crawford in 2023.

Sebastian Fundora: The current WBC junior middleweight champion.

Vergil Ortiz Jr.: The WBC interim champion at 154.

Terence Crawford: The former undisputed welterweight champion who defeated Spence.

Jaron “Boots” Ennis: The former unified welterweight champion who will make his 154-pound debut in October against Uisma Lima.

The Fights

A fight between Jermell Charlo and Errol Spence Jr. is a fantastic narrative. Both fighters came up together, were stablemates under trainer Derrick James, and were considered at the top of their respective divisions. Charlo is known for his power and calculated aggression, while Spence is a skilled boxer-puncher with excellent ring IQ. Both are looking to bounce back from career-defining losses—Charlo to Canelo and Spence to Crawford.

Sebastian Fundora, known as the “Towering Inferno,” is a physical anomaly in the junior middleweight division. Standing at 6’5″, he uses his incredible height and reach to overwhelm opponents with a relentless, high-volume punching style. For Fundora, it would be a major step up against a more skilled and powerful opponent.

A fight between Jermell Charlo and Terence Crawford would be a true super fight. Crawford’s switch-hitting ability, excellent defense, and high ring IQ would be pitted against Charlo’s explosive power and boxing fundamentals. For Charlo, a victory would be the ultimate statement that he is back and ready to reclaim his place at the top of the sport.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing, known for his relentless pressure and knockout power. Ortiz is a finisher with 23 wins and 22 knockouts, but he has also shown vulnerabilities, being dropped in his fight against Rene Tellez Giron.

Similar to the Ortiz matchup, a fight with Jaron Ennis would pit Charlo against another one of boxing’s most exciting and dangerous talents. Ennis is an explosive and highly skilled fighter with a unique and unpredictable style. Either way, Charlo is targeting the big names.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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