The last time we saw former two-division world champion Jermall Charlo in the ring was in 2023 when he defeated Jose Benavidez Jr. by unanimous decision. Before that fight, Charlo last got in the ring in 2021, so he’s been very inactive.
During his hiatus, Charlo faced numerous personal challenges, including legal issues, but he’s back and will face Thomas LaManna on May 31 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
If Charlo(33-0, 22 KOs) defeats LaManna and Caleb Plant beats his opponent, Armando Reséndiz in the co-main event on May 31, it is expected that Charlo and Plant, who have some history outside the ring after Plant smacked Charlo in his face back in 2023, will fight next.
“It’s been a journey and a long time coming,” Charlo said at a press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday. “I’m going up to 168 to make a statement. “I’ve been focused and locked in. I wanna get this fight out of the way and possibly get it on with Caleb Plant. I have big plans in the works, so keep it locked in. Lions Only.
“I just miss boxing, period. I miss getting up and just focusing on boxing, and I’m back to doing that at the highest level.”
The 34-year-old is ready to take over the 168-pound division, and he expects to be explosive.
“The sky’s the limit for me at this weight,” he said. “I’m sparring bigger guys, and I can lift more now. I’m squatting more than I ever did and using my body more than I ever did. I feel like this is the division I’m gonna end my career in.
“You’re gonna see me go out and be more explosive than you’ve ever seen me before in my life.”
Charlo knows there are many big fights at 168 pounds, but he knows he can’t overlook LaManna, who is on a nine-fight win streak.
“I’m gonna go do my job. I got bigger fights and bigger fish to fry,” he said. “I’m not overlooking him(LaManna). I know he’s training for Jermall Charlo. I know how they come at me. ‘Breadman’ Edwards is sitting right there, he’ll tell you that I stand up to the challenge every time.”
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