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.

“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.”

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.

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.

The origin of the latest controversy is Jermall Charlo, who during a press event promoting his upcoming return, directly accused Canelo of continuing to use the banned performance-enhancing drug. Charlo’s statements have reignited a long-standing issue within the sport and placed new scrutiny on Canelo’s preparation and environment.

The accusation comes amid a sensitive moment for Mexican boxing, as another fighter from Eddy Reynoso’s team, Jaime Munguia, recently tested positive for a banned substance. This new case has led to further questioning of protocols within the training group that Álvarez leads.

Charlo’s remarks against Canelo’s legacy

During his public appearance, Charlo made strong claims regarding Canelo’s past suspension and implied that similar practices might still be occurring. In his statement, he remarked, “Do you think Canelo stopped using clenbuterol in 2018? Do you really think it was a simple mistake?” He also criticized what he described as advanced doping strategies that could avoid standard testing procedures.

Charlo dismissed the defense often cited in clenbuterol-related cases — food contamination — by stating, “I’ve been to Mexico. I’ve eaten meat. I’ve never tested positive.” His words have brought renewed attention to the previous controversies surrounding Canelo and reignited public debate about doping controls in boxing.

No response from Canelo or his camp

As of now, Canelo hasn’t issued any response to Charlo’s statements. The fighter remains focused on his training and has made no public comment addressing the renewed accusations.

With no official statement from Canelo or his team, the situation remains unresolved. However, the timing of the remarks and the recent positive test involving a fighter from his camp have created a scenario where questions around doping oversight are again part of the sport’s broader conversation.

The highly anticipated Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford weigh-in took an unexpected turn when two formidable boxers, Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo, engaged in a heated confrontation backstage. A video clip capturing the intense moment quickly went viral on social media, stirring excitement among boxing enthusiasts.

Caleb Plant, known for his headline-stealing antics, was at the center of the altercation, delivering an open-hand left hook to Jermall Charlo’s face. Charlo appeared taken aback, seemingly unprepared for the physical exchange. This incident added fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding a potential clash between the two talented fighters.

While Caleb Plant’s recent matches against boxing stars Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez resulted in two clear losses, his history of engaging in high-profile confrontations has kept his name relevant in the sport. However, questions arise about whether his recent performances affect his readiness for a potential fight against Charlo.

Charlo’s Return to the Spotlight

The possibility of a matchup between Jermall Charlo and Caleb Plant at 168 pounds generates considerable interest in the boxing world. As fans eagerly await official announcements, the tension between these two charismatic fighters adds an intriguing layer to the potential bout.

For Jermall Charlo, the altercation marked a notable return to the headlines after a prolonged absence from the spotlight. As the current WBC middleweight titleholder, Charlo had been out of the news for over two years, with the exception of an incident Benavidez during another event.

Charlo’s last fight occurred in June 2021, securing a victory over Juan Macias Montiel. Initially slated to face Canelo in September, plans took an unexpected turn when his twin brother, Jermell Charlo, stepped up to the challenge instead.

The clash between Charlo and Munguía was not envisioned by boxing fans, but the rumors put it on the map and tempers flared. These are two fighters in their prime who guaranteed a spectacle in their war for the WBC’s 160 pounds belt.

Jermall Charlo is undefeated with a record of 32-0-0 (22 KOs) and at the age of 31 has already been world champion in two different weight classes. Mexican Jaime Munguia is 25 years old and has a record of 39-0-0 with 31 KOs. He was a precocious Super welterweight World Champion and is now seeking a second crown in another division.

The culprit for Jermall Charlo vs Jaime Munguia not materializing

When everything seemed to indicate that the expected fight between the American and the Mexican for the WBC Middleweight title was about to be finalized, everything fell apart and it was announced that Jermall Charlo would face Polish Maciej Sulecki (30-2-0, 11 KOs) on June 18 in Houston, Texas.

Stephen Espinoza, president of sports and event programming for Showtime Networks, stated in a remote press conference that he has no doubt about Jaime Munguia’s desire to have the fight, however, there was a stumbling block in the negotiation and that came from the Mexican’s promotional team, headed by Golden Boy Promotions and legendary former boxer Oscar de la Hoya.

“I would never question the heart of a fighter, certainly someone as accomplished as Munguia. But we had a deal. Munguia reached a deal, he accepted the terms of the fight. So I have no doubt he negotiated, he reached out and said he was willing to accept the fight on these terms. For us, his part was done. He accepted the fight.Things broke down over networks, Munguia’s promoters requested we bring in another platform to collaborate with. The reality is that it didn’t make sense… We tried to make concessions, alternating – we get the first fight, Munguia’s network can get the rematch.”, stated Espinoza.

Thus, it is understood that it was De la Hoya’s request to make Charlo vs. Munguia a pay-per-view fight that caused everything to fall apart, costing his fighter the opportunity to have the middleweight title fight he had wanted so badly since last year.

Initially, ESPN‘s reporterMike Coppingerreleased that Canelo was close to accepting thetwo-fight dealoffered to him by Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn. The offer supposedly included an$85 millionguaranteed pay to Alvarezfor clashing against WBA Light heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol in May, and then, in case of success, IBF Middleweight titlist Gennady Golovkinin September for the third time in 5 years.

However, 24 hours after, Eddy Reynoso, Alvarez’s lifelongcoach and now manager, published on social media an official statement that returned Jermall Charlo’s hopes to fightthe undisputed Super middleweight Champion: “There are offers for Canelo’s next fight from PBC and Matchroom. The negotiation process is still a work in progress. A final decision has not been reached”.

Jermall Charlo is arrestedin Texas on felony assault charges

According to several media reports, at13:29 hours of Friday, February 11, the reigning WBC Middleweight Championwas arrested in Fort Bend County Texas, as a consequence of a warrantissued by the County Sheriff’s Office. Thereasonis a felonycharge afterassaultingand causingbodily injuryto a Family Member. This after previouslyhavinga conviction for family violence.

Unfortunately for Jermall Charlo (32-0-0, 22 KO’s), it is not the first legal problem thathe faces, as he was underinvestigation for an aggravated assault incidentthat happened in May 2020. AsBoxing Scenereports: “It remains unclear if the recent arrest warrant is a result of a development in that case or if his arrest on Friday was for a freshly reported incident“.

Also in last July, but in San Antonio, Texas,the Hitman, and twin brother of Jermell Charlo, the reigning WBC, WBA, and IBF World Super welterweight Champion, was chargedon a second-degree felony robberybut he was fully exonerated in the last weeks of last January.

This legal trouble could make Jermall Charlo lose the possibility to face Canelo Alvarez in May. The boxing community has already witnessed a similar story last year when Rolando Rolly Romero was withdrawn from his fight against Gervonta Davis due to an accusation of sexual assault.

Since Canelo defeated Caleb Plant on November 6, many names have been pointed out to be the next boxer to have the chance to challenge the current Pound for Pound King. Some of them are legitimate options as they have been mentioned directly by Alvarez’s team; other ones are just part of promoters’and fans’ dreams and illusions.

Nowadays, the Mexican Superstar is still enjoying his last days off, as Reynoso shared that he is expected to come back to the gym in the early moments of February to begin his new season and define once and for all with whom he will share the ring next.

The best rival for Canelo Alvarez according to his trainer

Eddy Reynoso is, probably, the main source, after his pupil himself, to give news about Canelo’s career. Cause he has been the lifelong coach of Alvarez, and, since 2020, his manager. Then, the statement he gave about who does he consider to be the most appropriate rival for Canelo should be taken as a very strong clue of what could happen in May 2022.

“Charlo. A fight against Jermall Charlo would be the most media-friendly because he is a well-recognized fighter, very followed and liked by the fans, so a fight with him would be very attractive.“, said Reynoso in an interview for the Youtube Channel Fight Hub TV.

The Benavidez, Bivol, Beterbiev, and either Golovkin names could also be considered as proper rivals for Canelo, as his trainer considers they share the elite of boxing with his pupil: “Saul has the level to fight any of them. The only difference would be weight. That is the only thing we have to take care of, to chose the weight classes in which he feels stronger, such as the 168 pounds“.

Canelo’s boxing agenda for 2022 could include fighting in a legendary venue

Definitely, 2022 could be a very different year from 2021 talking about Canelo’s scheduleas Eddy Reynoso shared that his fighter maybe a little tired because of the intense action he had. However, he could search for a way to give his Mexican a huge surprise.

“We are just going to search for the May and September dates and, probably, a last one in Mexico. Canelo is at the peak of his career so hopefully, it may be possible for usto fight at the Azteca Stadium this year,” commented Reynoso.

However, in the Pound for Pound king horizon, a new and tougher rival may have appeared. This current American World Champion has stated several times that he wanted to face Canelo. He is known for his aggressiveness in the ring and rude attitude outside of it.

So, for those who claim that the Jalisco native has not faced a fierce opponent since Gennady Golovkin second fight in 2018, this is bad news, cause Canelo’s possible next rival has his same age, is on his peak, has already been a titleholder in two weight classes, and will not have any problem to fight at the 168 lbs.

Who is the new possible rival for Canelo Alvarez next fight?

According to reporter Mike Coppinger, Ilunga Makabu, WBC World Cruiserweight Champion, could lose his chance to face Canelo in May, and the new chosen one and Alvarez’s new target is the current WBC World Middleweight Champion.

“I’m not so sure that Canelo Alvarez will be fighting at Cruiserweight or against Ilunga Makabu. I’m hearing that it’s much more likely that he’s going to fight Jermall Charlo on ‘Cinco de Mayo’. There are talks right now for that fight,” stated Coppinger on an ESPN TV Show.

The Hitman Charlo is undefeated after having held 32 professional boxing fights. He is much more experienced than other names pointed as Canelo’s possible rivals in the short future, such as David Benavidez, who has even initiated a dirty talk against the Pound for Pound king to get a chance to challenge him.

Former World Champion’s prediction about Canelo Alvarez vs Jermall Charlo

Paul Malignaggi is legitimate to talk about boxing after holding World titles in the Super lightweight and Welterweight division. In an interview forTha Boxing Voice,The Magic Manshared that he would bet on Charlo if the clash against Canelo is done.

“I love that fight. I have to say that Jermall Charlo is one of those guys that I can see beating Canelo. I have been saying that Demetrius Andrade and Charlo were the right ones, but nowadays Andrade is going down and is no longer a threat. But do Jermall is really a big threat. My recognition for Canelo for searching this battle, because this is the guy (Charlo) that I would pick to defeat him.”

Also, Malignaggi gave his reasons to think Jermall Charlo could win against the Unified World Super middleweight Champion: “When Jermall is focused is really sharp and accurate. He counterpunches and has power. He is a good fighter. I am so excited. I hope they won’t get COVID-19 and postpone the fight”.