Jermall Charlo’s long-awaited comeback to boxing after 890 days has been far from perfect. Despite conquering his personal struggles, his recent performance against Jose Benavidez Jr. was lackluster, leaving fans questioning his preparedness for a potential showdown against Canelo Alvarez. Speculations suggest that Charlo might opt for a lucrative money grab by facing Alvarez during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. However, there are compelling reasons why he should consider fighting Caleb Plant instead.
Charlo’s return to the ring signifies a significant milestone in his career. After nearly two and a half years away from the sport, he aimed to remind the boxing world of his prowess. Unfortunately, his recent bout against Benavidez Jr. raised concerns about his form and readiness to take on top-tier opponents like Alvarez. Critics argue that Charlo’s underwhelming performance was indicative of a fighter who may not be in peak condition to face someone of Alvarez’s caliber.
While a clash between Charlo and Alvarez might generate substantial financial rewards, it is essential to consider the sporting aspect as well. Undoubtedly, a fight against the Mexican superstar would attract immense attention, both domestically and internationally. However, Charlo’s priority should be to prove himself against formidable opponents and assert his position as a genuine threat in the middleweight division.
This is where Caleb Plant enters the picture. Plant, the current IBF super-middleweight champion, presents an intriguing challenge for Charlo. A matchup between these two skilled fighters would not only test Charlo’s abilities but also provide him with an opportunity to secure another championship belt. Furthermore, a victory against Plant could solidify Charlo’s claim as one of the best fighters in his weight class.
Additionally, fighting Plant would offer Charlo a chance to establish a unification bout. With Plant holding the IBF title and Charlo being the WBC middleweight champion, a clash between them would merge two prestigious belts, further elevating the significance of the fight. Unification bouts often captivate fans and carry a sense of historical importance in boxing.
From a strategic perspective, a fight against Plant also presents Charlo with a different style to counter. Plant’s slick boxing skills and defensive prowess could provide a unique challenge for Charlo, forcing him to adapt and showcase his versatility in the ring. Such an encounter would not only test Charlo’s technical abilities but also make for an exciting and competitive showdown.
Ultimately, while facing Canelo Alvarez might bring financial gains, it may not be the ideal next step for Jermall Charlo. To solidify his position as a true contender and demonstrate his readiness for the elite level, a matchup against Caleb Plant offers more sporting merit. It would allow Charlo to prove his capabilities against a fellow champion and potentially unify titles, adding another chapter to his legacy in the sport of boxing.
