Charlo Brothers Facing Uncertain Future After Setbacks
Nearly eight years ago, the Charlo brothers cemented their place in boxing history with defining victories. On that fateful night in May 2016 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Jermall Charlo retained his IBF junior-middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Austin Trout, while twin Jermell rallied to knock out John Jackson in the eighth round to capture the WBC 154-pound belt.
“I made history. I knew my brother would get the job done,” the then-26-year-old Jermall declared. “There’s no way you can contain a lion.”
However, the only ones able to contain the Charlos now seem to be the Charlos themselves. Without losing a title fight in their respective divisions, both men now find themselves in a precarious position following the WBC’s decision to strip Jermall of the middleweight belt due to inactivity and reported personal troubles, while Jermell has been reduced to a “champion in recess” at the WBA and WBC after his one-sided defeat against Canelo Alvarez.
As the Charlo twins approach their 34th birthday on May 19, concerns have been raised about the influences surrounding them and their ability to regain their former dominance. Former welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi questioned whether the brothers have “people who are really looking out for their best interests” and urged them to surround themselves with individuals they can trust and listen to.
The Charlos’ recent missteps, including Jermell’s domestic violence case and Jermall’s recent arrest for DWI and fleeing an accident scene after crashing his red Lamborghini, have further complicated their paths. The WBC has already elevated Carlos Adames to champion, potentially setting up a title defense on the June 15 card headlined by Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
While the Charlos’ past achievements and natural talent suggest they could potentially bounce back and reclaim their former glory, analysts like Malignaggi and Chris Algieri have expressed doubts about their current motivations and commitment to the humble workload required of a champion boxer. Jermell, in particular, faces a daunting task in the stacked 154-pound division, with the possibility of a move up to the less-crowded middleweight division potentially looming.
The Charlo brothers’ future remains uncertain, as they navigate the challenges of reclaiming their place at the top of the sport. Their current predicament serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people and maintaining the dedication necessary to reach the pinnacle of boxing.
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