Jermall Charlo, the WBC middleweight titlist, was slated to make his much-awaited return to the ring after a two-year absence. However, his comeback did not get off to a great start. On Friday, the 33-year-old boxer missed weight not once, not twice, but three times for his scheduled match against Jose Benavidez on Saturday. The initial weigh-in showed Charlo tipping the scales at 166.4 pounds, three pounds over the agreed weight limit. To everyone’s surprise, he stepped on the scales again a short time later, this time weighing even more at 166.6 pounds. In contrast, Benavidez effortlessly met the 163-pound weight limit, weighing in at 161.2 pounds.
Amidst the chaos caused by Charlo’s weight issues, rumors circulated that a deal was being worked out to ensure the fight would proceed. Boxing journalist, Dan Rafael, confirmed on Twitter that negotiations were ongoing. By Friday evening, it became evident that an agreement had been reached. Charlo stepped on the scales once more, weighing 166.5 pounds. However, his failure to make weight means he will likely face financial penalties for not fulfilling his professional obligations.
Unfortunately, Charlo’s weight debacle is just another setback in what has undeniably been a challenging few years for the boxer. He has openly spoken about his struggles with mental illness, which further adds to the difficulties he has faced. While some fight fans may not sympathize with Charlo, the mocking and sneering on social media only serve to damage his professional reputation. The Texan boxer’s victory, even if he manages to defeat Benavidez, will likely be met with skepticism and raised eyebrows.
Just months ago, Jermall Charlo was viewed as a natural opponent for super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez. However, circumstances led to Canelo facing Charlo’s twin brother, Jermell, in a lackluster match that ended in Canelo’s favor. Now, it is uncertain what lies ahead for Jermall Charlo. While he may have been considered the favorite against Benavidez before the weigh-ins, it is now unclear how the fight will unfold. Even if Charlo secures a victory, it will be difficult to shake off the doubts surrounding his dedication to his craft.
In the unforgiving world of boxing, lack of focus and discipline can have severe consequences. Charlo’s repeated struggles to make weight not only jeopardize his bout with Benavidez but also cast doubt on his abilities as a professional fighter. A loss would be disastrous for Charlo, but even an underwhelming victory would do little to help his cause. The path forward for Charlo remains uncertain, and he must reflect on his recent struggles and assess how to regain the respect and confidence of both fans and fellow boxers.
Boxing is a relentless and unforgiving profession, even for the most determined individuals. Those who fail to prioritize their training or make necessary sacrifices are putting their careers at significant risk. Jermall Charlo’s weight issues serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in combat sports. As fans, we must be critical of the actions of our favorite fighters, holding them accountable for their shortcomings. However, we should also remember that these athletes are human beings with their own struggles and obstacles to overcome. It is essential to approach criticism and judgment with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the mental and physical toll that professional boxing takes on its participants.
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