Jermell Charlo, once the undisputed junior middleweight champion, is reportedly gearing up for a potential comeback in 2025 following a year-long hiatus from the boxing ring in 2024. This period of inactivity has sparked speculation among fans, with many suggesting that Charlo’s return may be financially motivated. The allure of another lucrative payday—particularly with events taking place in Riyadh—is a strong draw, especially given the rumors circulating that Charlo may have squandered his earnings from his last bout against CANELO ALVAREZ.
Social media has been rife with speculation regarding Charlo’s financial state. Some fans posit that he may have exhausted his resources following his high-profile clash with Alvarez in September 2023. At nearly 35 years old, Charlo’s return isn’t merely about redemption but also about reinvigorating his financial prospects, especially in a sport where the balance sheet often speaks louder than past glories.
While Charlo remains tight-lipped about potential opponents for his comeback, his previous performance against Alvarez casts a long shadow over his prospects. Given the nature of his loss—a unanimous decision where he failed to assert himself—it’s difficult to envision a scenario where a rematch with Alvarez would be welcomed by fans or even pursued by Charlo. The defeat left many questioning his relevance in the current boxing landscape, particularly within the competitive 154-pound division.
Charlo’s last five fights paint a picture of a fighter increasingly out of touch with the elite competition. A unanimous decision loss to Canelo Alvarez followed a series of matches against opponents who have since faded into obscurity. Notable victories against Brian Castano, Jeison Rosario, and Tony Harrison lack the luster they once held, raising doubts about Charlo’s ability to reclaim his status in a rapidly evolving division. Names like Bakhram Murtazaliev and Vergil Ortiz loom large as formidable challenges for a fighter whose star power seems diminished.
As Charlo contemplates his future, he will need to strike a delicate balance between reclaiming his glory and adapting to the current era of boxing. Should the Saudi promoter Turki Al-Shiekh show interest in featuring Charlo in upcoming Riyadh events, it could potentially revive his career. However, for Charlo to reclaim his place among the elite, he will likely have to accept a significant pay cut and confront the reality that he is now part of a more competitive pool of fighters.
Jermell Charlo stands at a crossroads. With a storied past behind him and uncertainty ahead, the former champion must navigate not only the complexities of training but also the expectations and realities of his financial and competitive future. Time is of the essence, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see if Charlo can prove that he still has what it takes.