By Matt Lieberman: Jermell Charlo took to Instagram today to show off his collection of 154-lb belts that he’s been collecting since 2016. Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs) now holds the IBF, WBA, and WBC junior middleweight titles, and he’s one belt [WBO] away from becoming the undisputed champion.
This year could be a big one for Jermell, who is setting himself apart from his twin brother Jermall Charlo. Jermell has shown more willingness to take risks than Jermall thus far, and he could leave him behind if he wins the last belt at 154.
If Jermell gets his way, he’ll pick up his last belt to round out his collection by beating WBO 154-lb champion Brian Castano in 2021.
That’s a fight that could come next for Jermell, who is coming off a huge eighth-round knockout win over IBF/WB junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario last year on August 26th.
“Right now, I’m in my off-season,” said Jermell Charlo to Ringside with the Lions. “I just want y’all to know. I’m not Jermall.
“I don’t fight for my brother or call out who he calls out or none of that. Who he calls out has nothing to do with me. If he’s got the vaccination I’ll fight anybody.
“I don’t care what they say, how they do, or how they feel. I’ll fight any f*** body. So let them keep barking and they’re going to get bit. What my brother said you got to understand, I am the 154,” said Jermell.
That willingness to fight anybody is what differentiates Jermell from his brother Jermall, a fighter that has failed to step up to the plate to take on David Benavidez.
Jermell isn’t going to fight Jermall’s battles for him by taking on Benavidez, but he makes it clear that he WON’T back down from anyone. That’s just the way Jermell is wired.
If Jermell stays at 154 after he potentially becomes the undisputed champion by beating Castano this year, he’s got these interesting fights available to him:
- Israil Madrinov
- Erickson Lubin
- Tim Tszyu
- Jarrett Hurd
- Erislandy Lara
- Tony Harrison
- Bakhram Murtazaliev
- Liam Smith
- Charles Conwell
- Julian ‘J-Rock’ Williams
Jermell doesn’t have the size to be moving up to 160 to be fighting guys that a lot bigger than him. With his wiry frame, Jermell can likely stay at 154 for the duration of his career without needing to move up to 160 or 168 like his brother.
View this post on Instagram