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Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) has set his sights on reclaiming championship glory, invoking his right as the WBA’s champion in recess to challenge current champion Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7KOs).
Promoter Tom Brown has formally expressed Charlo's eagerness for the bout by submitting a letter of intent to the WBA.
Charlo, who has been out of the ring since his defeat to Canelo Alvarez last September, is now eyeing a return to the championship scene. His defeat to Alvarez led him to vacate the IBF, WBC, and WBA world titles.
BoxingScene had previously reported negotiations between Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) and champion Madrimov for a potential contest, slated for August 3 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. However, Charlo's invocation of his champion in recess rights has thrown a new twist into the mix.
In a letter obtained by Dan Rafael, Brown stated, “Jermell is prepared and ready to defend his WBA title against WBA champion Israil Madrimov. Thank you for your attention and consideration.”
Gilberto Mendoza Jr., president of the WBA, confirmed plans to order Madrimov to defend his title against Charlo. However, Madrimov retains the option to offer step-aside money to Charlo in order to delay the title shot.
Meanwhile, Crawford, who has been eyeing a move up in weight, is named as the mandatory challenger for Sebastian Fundora, the current WBO and WBC titleholder at 154 pounds.
Madrimov, who claimed the WBA title last month with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov, now faces the prospect of defending his newly-acquired title against the formidable Charlo, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown in the super-welterweight division.