by Oscar Cabrero/ Boxing Contributor
After a prolonged hiatus of 2 1/2 years from the squared circle, Jermall Charlo, the reigning WBC middleweight champion, is back in the gym, fueled by a renewed hunger to reclaim his spot at the pinnacle of the boxing world. Charlo recently revealed that he’s been training alongside the legendary Roy Jones Jr, setting his sights on his long-awaited return to the ring. Awaiting him are multiple challenges, including an impending defense of his WBC middleweight title and a potential mega-fight against boxing’s pound-for-pound kingpin, Canelo Alvarez.
Charlo’s return to the ring has been eagerly anticipated, with fans and pundits curious to see if the extended layoff has taken a toll on his physical skills. The Texan pugilist, boasting an unblemished record of 32 wins and 22 knockouts, estimates that he’s currently at 75 to 80% of his peak condition before his extended break, maintaining a notably lean physique.
Despite the physical readiness, there’s a weariness etched on Charlo’s face, a testament to the tribulations he’s faced over the past two-plus years. However, Charlo’s determination to recapture his glory days burns brighter than ever, and he’s ready to deliver a fight fans won’t forget.
While Charlo remains mum on his first opponent upon returning, the intrigue lies in whether he will square off against his WBC mandatory challenger, Carlos Adames. Adames, who has patiently waited for his shot at the title, has had to prove his mettle against quality opposition in the absence of Charlo. Questions loom over whether Charlo should be stripped of his title due to inactivity.
However, the return of the champion to the ring suggests that he’s ready to silence his critics and fulfill his obligations, potentially setting the stage for a showdown against the sport’s biggest star, Canelo Alvarez. Charlo’s journey back to the top promises to be a captivating one, filled with challenges, redemption, and the potential for a legacy-defining battle against Canelo. Boxing fans worldwide eagerly await his return, and the sweet science is all the better for it.