The World Boxing Organisation is planning on holding a meeting to discuss the future of its super-welterweight world champion, Jermell Charlo, following his decision to move up two weight classes to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the Mexican’s undisputed super-middleweight world title status this upcoming September, which is all but secured for September 30th.
It had been expected that Caenlo would face current WBC world middleweight champion Jermall Charlo. However, this was not possible due to ongoing issues with injuries alongside personal issues regarding his mental health and well-being. Jermell stepped up to fill the void for Canelo, which Canelo himself confirmed this past Friday (June 30th).
The WBO held a ceremony celebrating Teofimo Lopez’s world title win in which he claimed the WBO world super-lightweight title against Josh Taylor, confirming that Lopez’s champion status will also be up for review. It was confirmed when asked by boxingscene.com. Almost immediately after victory, Lopez stated that he intended to retire from the sport, with speculation that he is set to remain in the boxing industry as a promoter.
WBO president Francisco Valcarcel confirmed that Lopez’s position is under review along with Charlo, of whom himself is the current undisputed world champion at 154lbs.
“[We are] also [dealing] with 154lbs. [champ] Jermell Charlo,” revealed Valcarcel.
Jermell is long-overdue to obligate his mandatory challenger, Tim Tszyu, the current WBO interim world champion. Plans had been made for the mandatory defence to take place. However, injuries had curtailed Charlo from fulfilling his obligations. Tszyu earlier this year in March claimed the interim title with a ninth-round stoppage of Tony Harrison via stoppage inside nine rounds. This was followed up recently on June 17th with a first-round stoppage victory over Carlos Ocampo to solidify his title credentials and mandatory status.
Suppose the WBO is to remove Charlo of the WBO crown. In that case, the WBO will likely elevate Tszyu to full champion status or order the unbeaten Australian-Russian to fight for the vacant title of the highest available contender within the WBO ranking system at 154lbs.
Teofimo himself is yet to retract his intention of retiring. If Lopez does retire, the WBO will likely order Arnold Barboza Jr and former unified WBC/WBO 140-pound titlist Jose Ramirez Jr (28-1, 18KOs) to contest the vacant title if that scenario was to materialise.
