WBC world middleweight champion Jermall Charlo will finally return to the ring later this month, featuring on the undercard of David Benavidez- Demetrius Andrade’s super-middleweight encounter in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Charlo (32-0, 22KOs) will face Jose Benavidez Jr (28-2-1, 19KOs), the brother of David, in a ten-round non-title fight as the chief support to the main event.
Charlo has been absent from the ring since June of 2021 following victory over Juan Macias Montiel. Jermall has cited personal and mental health issues, which have seen the WBC title holder admit that he has been struggling with depression, amongst other factors.
Charlo has admitted that it has been a long road back from the point he last featured in the ring to now, but aims to demonstrate that he remains one of the “best fighters in the world.”
“It’s been a long road to this point, but only the strong survive, and I’m built different,” Charlo said in an official press release announcing his comeback fight.
“I’m looking forward to reminding everyone that there is a reason why Jermall Charlo is an undefeated world champion and one of the best fighters today, pound-for-pound. This is the next chapter of my life, and it’s going to be my best, so I want all my fans to tune in on November 25, because I’m going to light up Las Vegas.”
Jermall had been expected to return earlier this year against Canelo Alvarez, following Canelo’s signing with Premier Boxing Champions on a three-fight deal. Ultimately, Jermall’s brother, Jermell faced Canelo instead and demonstrated a tentative display in a unanimous points decision loss in September.
Benavidez Jr is hoping to capitalise on the length of Charlo’s absence from the ring, stating that the WBC world champion has been on his own radar for a while and is hoping to ‘take him out.’
“I’ve been working hard and I feel strong and ready to take him out,” said Benavídez. “I’ve been wanting to fight Charlo for a while. I’m going to come that night and show him what I’m about. But I’m not here trying to use words. I don’t need to say anything. I’m going to let my fists do the talking in the ring on November 25.”
