It’s not even September yet, but the buzz around Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent is already gaining momentum. While the Mexican superstar prepares for a blockbuster bout against Terence Crawford on September 13, another fighter has stepped into the spotlight, eager to challenge the undisputed super middleweight champion.
Fresh off a commanding victory, Jermall Charlo is staking his claim. The former two-division world champion scored a sixth-round TKO over Thomas LaManna last weekend, reminding fans of the power and pedigree that once made him one of boxing’s most formidable names. Now, with momentum on his side, Charlo has turned his attention toward one of the sport’s most coveted opportunities: a date with Canelo.
“I think that I should just keep fighting and hopefully I can get the Canelo fight,” Charlo told Ring Magazine. “I mean, wouldn’t y’all wanna see that?” It’s a question boxing fans are starting to ask themselves — especially after Charlo’s bold declaration that he’s ready for the moment he once passed up.
Charlo’s redemption mission: Avenging his brother’s defeat
More than just a title shot, Charlo’s pursuit of Canelo carries a personal dimension. His twin brother, Jermell Charlo, was decisively beaten by Canelo in 2023. Now, Jermall is seeking both legacy and redemption in one of boxing’s biggest stages.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford face off after Alvarez beat William Scull.
“I’d rather fight Canelo than Plant at this point,” Charlo said, downplaying other potential matchups in favor of the pound-for-pound star. The timing, he argues, is finally right. “It just wasn’t the time, it’s all about the time,” he added. “Look, I’m not trippin’ on the Canelo fight. If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t.”
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For Charlo, a fight at 168 pounds represents more than a belt — it’s a shot at history. “I wanna become a world champion at 168 for myself, my legacy, my kids,” he explained. “Other than that, I’m just lettin’ it flow. I just wanna be great and, you know, go down in history as one of the greats that ever did it.”
Canelo’s schedule packed, but Charlo makes his case
Before any new challengers step in, Canelo must first navigate his highly anticipated clash with Crawford. Slated for Mexican Independence Day weekend, the bout pits two of boxing’s best tacticians against each other, with the undisputed super middleweight crown on the line.
Canelo’s most recent outing saw him dominate William Scull by unanimous decision, solidifying his position atop the division. That win — and the lucrative rewards that come with facing Canelo — continue to make him the top target for contenders across multiple weight classes.
While no official talks have been confirmed between Canelo and Charlo, the former middleweight kingpin is putting himself in position. His LaManna victory was a statement — not just to fans, but to Canelo’s camp. And if the timing truly is right, Charlo may finally land the fight that eluded him last year.
Plant still an option, but rivalry cooled by loss
Though Charlo mentioned Caleb Plant as another potential opponent, that matchup lost some steam following Plant’s recent defeat. The former super middleweight champion fell to Jose Armando Resendiz, shifting the momentum away from a grudge match once intensified by a backstage altercation in 2023.
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Still, with tensions historically high between the two and their unfinished business lingering, Charlo vs. Plant remains a fight that could be revisited — just not before the more high-profile opportunity Charlo is now openly pursuing.
