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Undefeated WBC middleweight champion, Jermall Charlo, is still considering a return to the middleweight division for his next fight. Despite coming in 3½ pounds over the contracted catch weight of 163 pounds in his recent 10-round unanimous decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr., Charlo remains confident that he can make the 160-pound limit.
Charlo sees potential matchups with his mandatory challenger, Carlos Adames, and IBF/WBO champ Janibek Alimkhanuly as appealing options in the middleweight division. However, the Houston-based champion is also eyeing the super middleweight category, expressing a keen interest in challenging the Mexican superstar, Canelo Alvarez.
Fans and media have been clamoring for Alvarez to defend his IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles against David Benavidez. However, Alvarez has not publicly shown much interest in facing Benavidez, who recently stopped Demetrius Andrade in their Showtime Pay-Per-View main event.
Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) has thrown his hat into the ring, expressing a desire to be considered as Alvarez's opponent for a likely May 4 return to the ring. Despite the prevailing sentiment favoring a showdown with Benavidez, Charlo believes that a bout against Alvarez would be the biggest and most profitable fight he could secure.
During a press conference, Charlo boldly stated, "Pick me," when asked if he had a message for Alvarez. He emphasized the uniqueness of his style compared to his twin brother, who previously faced Alvarez. Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs), who was boxing's undisputed 154-pound champion, moved up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez, resulting in a cautious loss.
Reflecting on his recent victory over Benavidez Jr., Jermall Charlo acknowledged a lack of motivation but affirmed that he got the job done. Despite potential family drama, with his estranged brother Jermell not returning his calls since attending Jermell's fight against Alvarez, Jermall remains open to high-profile matchups in either the middleweight or super middleweight division.
If Alvarez opts not to face David Benavidez in his first fight of 2024, there is speculation that Premier Boxing Champions founder Al Haymon could arrange a pay-per-view fight between Alvarez and Jermall Charlo, capitalizing on the narrative of Charlo attempting to avenge his brother's defeat. The potential matchup adds an intriguing layer to the dynamic world of professional boxing.