Jermall Charlo, one half of boxing’s formidable “Charlo Twins,” has long been a captivating figure in the sport. Known for his explosive power and undefeated record, the Houston native has held world titles in two weight classes, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. However, recent years have seen him grapple with inactivity and personal challenges, leaving fans eager for his return and speculating about his future.
This article will delve into the career of Jermall Charlo, exploring his journey from amateur standout to world champion, his distinctive fighting style, his recent challenges, and what lies ahead for “The Hitman.” We will also address the questions and curiosities that fans frequently pose about him.
Early Life and Amateur Beginnings
Born on May 19, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Jermall Charlo, alongside his identical twin brother Jermell, was introduced to boxing at a young age by their father, an amateur boxer himself. The twins gravitated towards the sweet science, honing their skills and developing a competitive spirit that would define their careers.
Jermall’s amateur career was impressive, boasting a record of 65 wins and 6 losses. He harbored aspirations of representing the United States in the 2008 Olympics, but a toe injury unfortunately sidelined him, preventing him from achieving that dream. Despite this setback, his amateur pedigree laid a strong foundation for his professional journey.
Professional Ascent: From Light Middleweight to Middleweight Reign
Jermall Charlo made his professional debut in August 2008, at the age of 18, securing a second-round technical knockout victory over Cimarron Davis. He quickly established himself as a rising prospect, accumulating an undefeated record with a significant number of knockouts.
Light Middleweight Dominance
Charlo’s talent truly began to shine in the light middleweight division.
Becoming a World Champion: In September 2015, after 21 professional fights, Charlo challenged Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF light middleweight title. He delivered a spectacular performance, stopping Bundrage in the third round via knockout to claim his first world championship. This victory announced his arrival on the world stage as a serious contender.
Successful Defenses: He defended his IBF title successfully against Wilky Campfort in November 2015, securing a fourth-round TKO. In May 2016, he faced a tough test against Austin Trout, winning a unanimous decision in a challenging but impressive outing. His final defense at light middleweight came against Julian Williams in December 2016, where he scored a devastating fifth-round knockout.
Middleweight Kingpin
After a successful run at light middleweight, Charlo vacated his IBF title to move up to the middleweight division, where he quickly became a dominant force.
Interim Title and Full Champion Status: In 2018, Charlo captured the interim WBC middleweight title by knocking out Hugo Centeno Jr. in the second round. He then defended the interim title against Matt Korobov in December 2018, winning a unanimous decision in a competitive fight. In 2019, he was elevated to full WBC middleweight champion.
Defending the Crown: Charlo continued to defend his WBC middleweight title, showcasing his power and skill. Notable victories included a seventh-round TKO over Dennis Hogan in December 2019 and a dominant unanimous decision win against the highly-regarded Sergiy Derevyanchenko in September 2020, a fight many consider one of his best performances. His last fight as WBC middleweight champion was against Juan Macias Montiel in June 2021, where he won by unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle.
Fighting Style: Power, Precision, and Adaptability
Jermall Charlo’s fighting style is characterized by a potent blend of offensive power and defensive solidity.
Knockout Power: With 22 knockouts in 33 wins, Charlo possesses genuine one-punch knockout power, particularly in his right hand and left hook. He doesn’t often throw high-volume combinations, instead preferring to pick his shots carefully and deliver impactful blows.
Strategic Defense: Charlo is known for his smart defensive tactics. He utilizes good head movement and a tight guard, making him a difficult target to hit cleanly. He is also adept at using the ropes to his advantage, luring opponents in before unleashing counter-punches.
Effective Jab and Counterpunching: His jab is a fundamental tool, used to control distance, set up his power shots, and disrupt his opponents’ rhythm. He is also a skilled counterpuncher, capable of slipping punches and immediately responding with his own damaging blows.
Ring Control: Charlo often dictates the pace of the fight, using his footwork and positioning to maintain ring control and keep his opponents on the outside.
Recent Inactivity and Personal Challenges
Despite his impressive undefeated record and world championship status, Jermall Charlo has faced significant periods of inactivity in recent years. After his fight with Juan Macias Montiel in June 2021, he was out of the ring for over two years, not returning until November 2023. This long layoff was attributed to various personal issues and mental health struggles, which Charlo himself has openly discussed.
This period of inactivity led to questions and concerns within the boxing community about his career trajectory and future. The WBC eventually stripped him of his middleweight title in 2024 due to his prolonged absence, elevating Carlos Adames to full champion.
The Return and Future Outlook
Jermall Charlo made his highly anticipated return to the ring in November 2023, stepping up to super middleweight to face Jose Benavidez Jr. on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade. He won the fight by unanimous decision, showcasing glimpses of his talent but also some ring rust after the long layoff. This fight, while a win, did not see him at his absolute sharpest, leaving many wondering about his current form and long-term prospects.
Upcoming Fight: Jermall Charlo vs. Thomas LaManna
Jermall Charlo is scheduled to return to the ring on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in a 10-round super middleweight clash against veteran contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna. The fight will be part of a PBC Championship Boxing event on Prime Video from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
This fight is crucial for Charlo as he looks to shed the rust, regain momentum, and demonstrate that he is still an elite-level fighter. LaManna, riding a nine-fight winning streak, sees this as a career-best opportunity and believes his momentum will be key to upsetting the former champion. While there are no titles on the line for this bout, it’s a significant step for Charlo to rebuild his career.
Future Aspirations: Canelo and Plant
Charlo has openly expressed his ambitions for future fights, notably outlining a two-fight strategy aimed at securing a coveted bout against Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed super middleweight championship. His plan involves defeating Thomas LaManna, and then facing Caleb Plant, the interim WBA Super Middleweight Champion.
The prospect of Charlo facing Canelo Alvarez has been a long-standing point of discussion in the boxing world. While his brother Jermell Charlo did move up to fight Canelo in September 2023 (losing by unanimous decision), Jermall has expressed his own desire for that highly lucrative and career-defining fight. However, with Canelo having a strong desire to face David Benavidez or other top contenders, and Plant eyeing the Canelo-Crawford winner, Charlo will need to deliver convincing performances to make these fights a reality.
The potential for a fight against David Benavidez, another top super middleweight, has also been a frequent topic of speculation. Both Charlo and Benavidez possess fan-friendly, aggressive styles, making a potential matchup highly anticipated by fans.
FAQs
Who is Jermall Charlo?
Jermall Charlo is an American professional boxer born on May 19, 1990, in Richmond, Texas. Nicknamed “Hit Man,” he is known for his power, precision, and undefeated record. He is the identical twin brother of Jermell Charlo, also a world champion boxer.
What is Jermall Charlo’s boxing record?
As of May 2025, Charlo holds a perfect professional record of 33 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, with 22 of those victories coming by knockout. He has competed in 181 professional rounds, averaging about 5.5 rounds per fight.
What weight classes has he fought in?
Charlo began his career in the light middleweight division (154 lbs), moved up to middleweight (160 lbs), and is currently competing at super middleweight (168 lbs). He has been successful in each weight class, showcasing his adaptability and power.
When is Jermall Charlo’s next fight?
Charlo is scheduled to fight Thomas LaManna on May 31, 2025, at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. This bout marks his second fight since returning from a hiatus and is part of a Premier Boxing Champions event.
Why did he take a break from boxing?
Charlo took a hiatus due to personal challenges, including mental health issues and legal troubles. He was arrested for a DWI in 2024, leading to the loss of his WBC middleweight title. He has since addressed these issues and is focused on his comeback.
What are his plans after the LaManna fight?
If victorious against LaManna, Charlo aims to fight Caleb Plant later in 2025. This potential matchup has been anticipated due to their longstanding rivalry. Charlo has also expressed interest in a retirement bout against Canelo Álvarez.
How does Jermall differ from his twin brother, Jermell?
While both are elite boxers, Jermall is known for his undefeated record and fights in higher weight classes. Jermell has held undisputed titles at light middleweight. Their careers have followed different paths, but both have achieved significant success.
What is Jermall Charlo’s net worth?
As of 2025, Charlo’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, primarily earned through his boxing career and endorsements.
What is his fighting style?
Charlo fights in an orthodox stance, utilizing a powerful jab and strong defensive skills. His knockout power and ring intelligence have made him a formidable opponent in multiple weight classes.
How can fans watch his upcoming fight?
The May 31 fight against Thomas LaManna will be broadcast live on Prime Video, starting at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
To conclude
Jermall Charlo’s journey in boxing has been marked by impressive victories, personal challenges, and a relentless drive to succeed. His undefeated record across multiple weight classes showcases his skill and adaptability in the ring.
After a period of personal and legal difficulties, Charlo is poised for a significant comeback. His upcoming fight against Thomas LaManna is not just a return to the ring but a statement of his resilience and determination. A victory could set the stage for high-profile bouts against rivals like Caleb Plant and potentially Canelo Álvarez, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Charlo’s story is one of perseverance, illustrating the challenges athletes can face outside the ring and the strength required to overcome them. As he steps back into the spotlight, fans and critics alike will be watching to see if he can reclaim his position at the top of the boxing world.
In the ever-evolving landscape of boxing, Jermall Charlo remains a compelling figure—a testament to talent, tenacity, and the enduring spirit of a champion.
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