If difficult takes all day, impossible apparently takes five years or such is the case for Houston native and two-division world champ Jermall Charlo. Charlo has long pursued a fight with legendary Mexican four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez. It appears, finally, he may be nearing the long-awaited showdown. Charlo was the mandatory challenger for Alvarez and his WBC Super Middleweight title all the way back in 2018. In 2019 Canelo was minted "Franchise Champ" by the sanctioning body, and Charlo, was awarded the WBC "World Title." A title the Houstonian has defended a total of 4 times, including his most recent defense against Juan Macias Montiel at the Toyota Center in June of 2019. It has been two years since we have seen "Big Charlo" in the ring. He was originally, tentatively, scheduled to fight back in the Toyota Center on July 1st. That date was scratched and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said Charlo could have more time and wasn't in any danger of being stripped. Fast Forward and according to 210 Boxing TV and multiple other sources, the deal is nearing finalization. Unofficially Charlo and Canelo would be looking at a September 16th date at Minute Maid Park in Houston. For Canelo, it would be a potential two-fight deal that would also include a date with WBC Cruiserweight champ Badu Jack in December.
Jermall Charlo FINALLY closing in on Canelo Fight
WBC Super Middleweight champ Jermall Charlo, older twin brother of unified Jr Middleweight champ Jermell Charlo, has long awaited a big-money mega fight. He has consistently been on the outside of the pound for pound elite and mega fights with Canelo, GGG, Jacobs, and Benavidez have always alluded him. However, He may be closing in on the moment he has been preparing a lifetime for.
Canelo Alvarez, the pound-for-pound king shocked the boxing community last November by announcing he'd challenge Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight strap. That now looks unlikely and a showdown with undefeated middleweight champ Jermall Charlo looks much more likely. A bout that would likely take place on Cinco De Mayo weekend is now 'more likely' according to multiple sources. Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza recently confirmed the rumors that the pound-for-pound king is open to facing Charlo next.
The two world champs have been linked together for a fight for several years. Perhaps, because of promotional issues and other reasons, it never happened. The belt that Charlo now holds (WBC middleweight) belt previously was held by Canelo who won it from Gennady Golovkin in 2018. He was mandated to fight Charlo but the fight never came to fruition and Canelo was delegated the organization's franchise champ and the older Charlo twin promoted to WBC world champion in June of 2019. He has held the belt ever since. Having defended
The fight will likely be held in Vegas however the lone star state will remain an option. Charlo has sold well there and it's been a type of home away from home for Canelo. Who set an indoor record in 2021 drawing over 70,000 fans into AT&T Stadium when he stopped Billy Joe Saunders in 8 rounds back in May. He also fought in San Antonio in 2020 and has fought in Texas a total of five times in his career. The Cinco de Mayo weekend, which the event is rumored to take place, has been a historic weekend for boxing, many of the sport's biggest fights were staged that weekend. Mayweather fought Mosley, Pacquiao, Maidana, and many others on the weekend and Oscar de la Hoya also fought on that weekend taking on Mayweather Steve Forbes