Jermall Charlo Is Ready To Punish Benavidez Jr. – ‘I’m Taking It Personal’
In the latest boxing news, Jermall Charlo, the WBC middleweight champion, is looking to punish Jose Benavidez Jr. when they face off on November 25th, 2023.
The fight will be Charlo first bout since 2021 when he overcame Juan Macias Montiel. Since then, the boxer has been away from the sport after battling mental health struggles.
During this period, the WBC refused to strip the fighter despite Carlos Adames waiting an age to get his title fight by virtue of being mandatory.
And following their first presser, Benavidez Jr. showed no empathy for Charlo’s struggles. He accused the latter of using his mental health as an excuse.
Benavidez Jr. On Charlo
“Your mental illness, p***y. Then, don’t bring that bulls**t up. Don’t bring those f***ing excuses…I’m still fighting. I’m not making excuses over there crying,” Benavidez Jr said
With that being said, Charlo plans on making a statement on his return to put the 160-pound division on notice.
Charlo Reacts To Benavidez Jr.
“I’m excited to be back – back where I belong. I’m really re-learning boxing, like in the amateurs all over again. I feel new to it. It’s a thrill at the same time. I’m putting my life on the line once again, to shock the world and let people know that I’m on top. Benavidez is just one of those guys who has to make a name for himself.
“Of course, talking sh!t to me would be the best thing you can do because you’re only amping the fight up. I mean, I guess he is trying to sell the fight, but I’m taking it personal and I’m taking it seriously. I’m not taking his words lightly,” Charlo
Nevertheless, Charlo’s WBC title will not be on the line which does devalue the significance of the fight somewhat. And yet, the American made it clear that the plan was to be more active starting in 2024.
As such, a win over Benavidez Jr. is vital given that the latter is naturally a junior middleweight. Meanwhile, Charlo’s recent decision to hire Roy Jones Jr. may prove pivotal.
The latter recently parted ways with Chris Eubank Jr, and so, Charlo could become a beneficiary given Jones’ understanding of what it takes to be at the highest level. In response to his plans for 2024, Charlo stated the following.
Charlo’s Plans For 2024
“I actually want to be more active next year, take on two or three fights. I’m ready to stay in the gym and stay focused and hopefully I can land one of those big fights you want to see. Maybe the winner out of the main event or maybe Canelo, YouTubers coming up. You know, I really don’t care. I just want to fight,” Charlo
Ultimately, moving forward, Charlo and Benavidez Jr. will have to back up their trash talk on fight night. And given the bad blood that has been put out there, one fighter will have to pick themselves up.
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