Jermell Charlo

Jermell Charlo’s journey in boxing began in his youth, growing up in Richmond, Texas, where he and his identical twin brother, Jermall, were introduced to the sport by their father, Kevin Charlo. Under the watchful eye of their parents and the guidance of esteemed trainer Ronnie Shields, Jermell honed his skills and developed a passion for boxing.

 

During his amateur career, Jermell quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional talent and work ethic. He competed in various tournaments, showcasing his prowess in the ring. One notable achievement came in 2005 when he won the National Golden Gloves Championship in the light welterweight division, a significant milestone that highlighted his potential.

 

As he continued to climb the ranks, Jermell’s skills caught the attention of boxing enthusiasts and professionals alike. In 2007, he represented the United States at the Pan American Games, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor on the international stage. His performance at the games underscored his technical proficiency and strategic acumen, earning him accolades from peers and fans alike.

 

Throughout his amateur career, Jermell faced off against top-tier opponents, each bout serving as a test of his abilities and resilience. His dedication to the sport and relentless pursuit of excellence propelled him to new heights, setting the stage for his transition to the professional ranks. By the time he made his professional debut in 2007, Jermell had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career ahead.

 

Professional Career

 

Jermell Charlo’s professional boxing journey commenced on December 8, 2007, at the age of 17, with a victorious four-round decision over Corey Sommerville. His early career showcased an impressive display of skill, including a third-round stoppage of Jesus Villareal on April 19, 2008, and a first-round TKO against Dwayne Jones in June of the same year. Charlo’s dominance continued as he defeated Rodrigo Villareal (TKO4) and Deon Nash (W6) before the year concluded.

 

In 2009, Charlo further solidified his reputation, securing a shutout four-round decision over Juan Serrano on February 28 and a six-round decision win against Carlos Garcia on April 4. A notable victory came on June 26, when Charlo delivered an eighth-round TKO against Federico Flores Jr. He capped off the year with a second-round knockout of undefeated prospect Abdon Lozano. Charlo’s career trajectory remained impressive, highlighted by a sensational third-round knockout of Chris Chatman in 2010, elevating his record to 17 wins with no losses and 8 wins inside the distance.

 

On June 8, 2013, Charlo faced former light welterweight contender Demetrius Hopkins, securing a close unanimous decision victory. He continued his winning streak, defeating Jose Angel Rodriguez via TKO in October and outclassing Gabriel Rosado in January 2014. In May 2014, Charlo defeated Charlie Ota at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, in a unanimous decision victory. Although a scheduled bout against Demetrius Andrade in December 2014 was canceled, Charlo maintained his winning momentum with a clear victory over Mario Alberto Lozano.

 

In May 2015, Charlo reached a career milestone by capturing the vacant WBC light middleweight title with a dramatic eighth-round knockout of John Jackson. This victory solidified his status as a world champion, marking a significant achievement in his boxing journey. Charlo faced setbacks, including his first professional loss to Tony Harrison in December 2018. However, he rebounded with impressive victories, including a rematch with Harrison in June 2019, where he reclaimed the WBC light middleweight title.

 

In September 2020, Charlo unified the light middleweight division by knocking out Jeison Rosario in the eighth round. A highly anticipated showdown with Brian Castaño in July 2021 resulted in a split draw, setting the stage for a rematch in May 2022, where Charlo emerged victorious, unifying the WBO belt with his existing titles. With aspirations of greatness, Charlo moved up two weight classes to challenge undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez in September 2022, demonstrating his willingness to take on formidable opponents.

 

However, Charlo’s journey faced obstacles, including injuries and contractual disputes, leading to his designation as “Champion in recess” by the WBC in January 2024. Despite challenges, Charlo’s legacy in boxing continues to evolve, showcasing his resilience and determination in pursuit of excellence.

 

Notable Quotes:

 

“After I lost in 2018, I told everyone that it just gave me jet fuel, and that when I come back, I’m coming back full throttle.”

 

“I was the one that, when we were younger, I would pop off first. If somebody got into it with me and my brother, I’m jumping off first.”

 

“I’m going to show everyone why Jermell Charlo is a threat to the whole 154-pound division.”