Jermall Charlo, a name synonymous with grit, skill, and resilience in the boxing world, has been a topic of fascination for fans and critics alike. As a former two-division world champion with an undefeated record, Charlo’s journey through the sport has been marked by triumphs, controversies, and personal challenges.
As of May 29, 2025, the boxing community is buzzing with anticipation for his return to the ring after a two-year hiatus. This article delves into Jermall Charlo’s career, recent events, personal life, controversies, and what lies ahead for the Houston-born fighter, addressing the questions fans have been asking online.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on May 19, 1990, in Houston, Texas, Jermall Charlo grew up alongside his identical twin brother, Jermell Charlo, who is also a professional boxer. The Charlo twins were introduced to boxing at a young age by their father, Kevin Charlo, who took them to the gym to channel their energy and competitive spirit. Jermall has often credited these early experiences for shaping his career, recalling how he and Jermell were driven to succeed in a sport that demands discipline and sacrifice.
Jermall’s amateur career laid the foundation for his professional success. He compiled an impressive amateur record, showcasing his technical prowess and knockout power. By the time he turned professional in 2008, Jermall was already seen as a rising star in the boxing world.
Professional Debut and Early Success
Jermall Charlo made his professional debut at the age of 18, quickly establishing himself as a force in the super welterweight (154-pound) and middleweight (160-pound) divisions. His early fights demonstrated his versatility, combining slick boxing skills with devastating punching power. By 2016, Jermall had captured the IBF super welterweight title, marking the beginning of his reign as a world champion.
His transition to the middleweight division in 2017 proved equally successful. In 2019, he won the WBC middleweight title, solidifying his status as one of the top fighters in the division. With a record of 33-0, including 22 knockouts, Charlo’s undefeated streak has been a testament to his skill and determination.
Career Highlights and Notable Fights
Jermall Charlo’s career is defined by his ability to dominate in multiple weight classes. His reign as the IBF super welterweight champion included a standout performance against Austin Trout in 2016, where he showcased his boxing IQ and ability to outclass seasoned opponents. After moving up to middleweight, Charlo continued to impress, defeating tough contenders like Julian Williams and Hugo Centeno Jr.
One of his most memorable fights came in 2020 against Sergiy Derevyanchenko, a highly technical fighter known for his durability. Charlo’s performance was a masterclass, as he used his jab, footwork, and power to secure a unanimous decision victory. This fight highlighted his ability to adapt and compete against elite competition, earning praise from fans and analysts alike.
The Canelo Alvarez Connection
Charlo was once linked to a high-profile fight against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, a matchup that would have been a career-defining moment. However, the opportunity went to his brother Jermell in September 2023, with Jermall sidelined due to inactivity and personal issues.
Jermell’s loss to Canelo fueled speculation about a potential Jermall-Canelo showdown, with Jermall boldly claiming, “This Jermall Charlo beats Canelo.” While the fight has yet to materialize, Charlo’s confidence in his ability to challenge one of boxing’s biggest stars keeps fans intrigued.
Recent Fights and Inactivity
Jermall’s last fight before his extended break was in November 2023 against Jose Benavidez Jr., a former welterweight contender. Charlo won by unanimous decision, but his performance was criticized for lacking the sharpness of his earlier years, likely due to a two-year layoff prior to the bout. Since then, Charlo has been largely inactive, with fans and analysts questioning his commitment to the sport.
However, Charlo is set to return to the ring on May 31, 2025, against Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna in a 10-round super middleweight bout at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. This fight marks his official move to the 168-pound division and is part of a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card streamed on Amazon Prime Video. The bout is seen as a tune-up for a potential grudge match against Caleb Plant later in 2025, provided both fighters win their respective fights on the same card.
The Caleb Plant Rivalry
One of the most talked-about storylines in Jermall Charlo’s career is his rivalry with Caleb Plant, a former IBF super middleweight champion. The tension between the two fighters boiled over in 2023 during a backstage altercation at the Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. weigh-in. Charlo taunted Plant by pulling on his beard, prompting Plant to respond with an open-hand slap. The incident, caught on camera, went viral and set the stage for a highly anticipated grudge match.
Both fighters are scheduled to compete on the same card on May 31, 2025, with Plant facing Armando Resendiz in the main event and Charlo taking on LaManna in the co-feature. If both emerge victorious, PBC has confirmed plans for a pay-per-view clash between Charlo and Plant later in 2025, a fight that promises to be one of the biggest in the super middleweight division.
Why the Fight Matters
The Charlo-Plant rivalry is more than just a personal feud; it’s a clash of two former champions looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the sport. Charlo, with his undefeated record and knockout power, represents a significant challenge for Plant, who has losses to Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez but remains a skilled and resilient fighter. The potential fight is generating buzz due to the bad blood and the high stakes involved, as both fighters aim to position themselves for a shot at the super middleweight titles.
Personal Life and Challenges
Jermall Charlo’s career has not been without its struggles. In recent years, he has been open about his battles with mental health, which contributed to his extended periods of inactivity. In an interview with the New York Post in November 2023, Charlo discussed his struggles with drugs, alcohol, and mental health, revealing how these challenges impacted his career and personal life. His transparency has earned him both sympathy and criticism, with some fans praising his honesty and others questioning his ability to return to elite form.
Charlo’s mental health struggles were compounded by injuries and personal setbacks, including a DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge in May 2024. The incident, which involved a crash in his $240,000 Lamborghini Urus and an attempt to flee the scene, drew significant media attention and raised concerns about his well-being. Charlo’s blood-alcohol level was reportedly nearly twice the legal limit, and the incident led to legal consequences that further delayed his return to boxing.
Family Dynamics
Jermall’s relationship with his twin brother, Jermell, has also been a subject of public interest. The Charlo twins have always been close, with their competitive dynamic pushing each other to succeed in boxing. However, tensions arose when Jermell did not attend Jermall’s fight against Benavidez Jr. in 2023, leading Jermall to publicly comment on their strained relationship. While the brothers have since reconciled, their dynamic remains a topic of discussion among fans.
Redemption and Recovery
Despite these challenges, Charlo’s story is one of redemption. In a May 2025 interview with BoxingScene, he spoke candidly about his journey, stating, “I got on my knees and started praying. That’s it.” Charlo has emphasized his desire to move forward, focusing on his family, faith, and boxing career. His home gym in Houston has been a sanctuary, allowing him to train and rebuild his confidence as he prepares for his comeback.
Controversies and Public Perception
The May 2024 DWI incident was a low point in Charlo’s career, drawing criticism from fans and media. Social media posts on X reflected a mix of disappointment and concern, with some users declaring his career “finished” and others questioning his past achievements. The incident led to increased scrutiny from the WBC, which expressed compassion for Charlo’s struggles but also emphasized the need for accountability. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman noted that the organization was working with Charlo’s promoters to support his recovery while ensuring he meets the necessary requirements to return to boxing.
Jake Paul Speculation
In May 2025, Charlo made headlines when he expressed willingness to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, though he acknowledged the fight was unlikely. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Charlo called Paul a “colleague” but suggested that Paul would avoid a boxer of his caliber. The comments sparked debate among fans, with some viewing it as a publicity stunt and others seeing it as a sign of Charlo’s confidence in his skills. While a Charlo-Paul fight remains speculative, it highlights Charlo’s desire to stay relevant in the boxing world.
Criticism of Inactivity
Charlo’s prolonged absences from the ring have been a point of contention. Critics, including some on X, have pointed out that his last knockout victory was in 2018 against Hugo Centeno Jr., and his recent performances have lacked the explosiveness of his prime. Posts on X have also highlighted the hypocrisy of fans who criticize Canelo Alvarez for not securing knockouts while overlooking Charlo’s similar drought. Despite this, Charlo’s undefeated record and past achievements continue to earn him respect.
Training and Preparation for the Comeback
Charlo’s move to the super middleweight division (168 pounds) marks a new chapter in his career. The decision to compete at a higher weight class is strategic, as it positions him for bigger fights against opponents like Caleb Plant, David Benavidez, and potentially Canelo Alvarez. Charlo has been training rigorously at his home gym in Houston, focusing on regaining his sharpness and adapting to the demands of the new division.
Facing Thomas LaManna
Charlo’s upcoming fight against Thomas LaManna on May 31, 2025, is a critical step in his comeback. LaManna, a veteran with a nine-fight win streak, is coming off a loss to Erislandy Lara in 2021 but remains a credible opponent. Charlo is a significant favorite, but the fight is not without risk, as an upset could derail his plans for a Plant showdown and future title shots. The bout is also an opportunity for Charlo to showcase his power and boxing IQ, qualities that made him a champion in two divisions.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Charlo’s preparation for his return has been holistic, addressing both his physical and mental health. He has spoken about the importance of staying disciplined and surrounding himself with a supportive team. His training regimen includes strength and conditioning, sparring, and technical drills to refine his skills. Charlo’s mental resilience will be key, as he faces the pressure of proving he can still compete at the highest level after years of setbacks.
FAQs
What titles has Jermall Charlo held?
Charlo has held the IBF junior middleweight title from 2015 to 2017 and the WBC middleweight title since 2019. He has successfully defended his titles multiple times, establishing himself as a dominant force in the middleweight division.
Has Jermall Charlo fought Canelo Alvarez?
As of now, Jermall Charlo has not fought Canelo Alvarez. However, there have been discussions and speculations about a potential matchup between the two in the future. Notably, Charlo’s twin brother, Jermell Charlo, faced Canelo Alvarez on September 30, 2023, but Jermall has yet to step into the ring with him.
What is the difference between Jermall and Jermell Charlo?
Jermall and Jermell Charlo are identical twin brothers, both professional boxers. Jermall competes in the middleweight division and is known for his undefeated record and powerful punching. Jermell, on the other hand, has competed in the junior middleweight division and has held multiple world titles. While they share similarities, each has carved out his own path in the boxing world.
What are Jermall Charlo’s future plans in boxing?
After his upcoming fight against Thomas LaManna, Charlo has expressed interest in facing Caleb Plant later in 2025. He aims to stay active and take on top competitors in the super middleweight division, with aspirations of eventually challenging Canelo Alvarez.
Where can I watch Jermall Charlo’s fights?
Jermall Charlo’s fights are typically broadcast on platforms associated with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), such as Showtime or Fox Sports. His upcoming bout against Thomas LaManna on May 31, 2025, will be available on Amazon Prime Video.
In Summary
Jermall Charlo’s journey is a testament to the highs and lows of professional boxing. From his early days as a prodigious talent to his current quest for redemption, Charlo has faced challenges that would test any fighter. His upcoming fight against Thomas LaManna on May 31, 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that could lead to a blockbuster showdown with Caleb Plant and a potential shot at Canelo Alvarez.
Despite controversies and setbacks, Charlo’s undefeated record, skill, and determination make him a fighter to watch. As he steps back into the ring, the boxing world waits to see if the “Future of Boxing” can live up to his nickname and write the next great chapter in his storied career.
To read more, Click Here.
