Leonard Ellerbe: Jermell Charlo should be P-4-P; talks Jermall vs. Benavidez

By Boxing News - 05/24/2021 - Comments

By Dan Ambrose: Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe sees big things ahead for Jermell Charlo and his twin brother Jermall. Ellerbe views IBF/WBA/WBC junior middleweight champion Jermell (34-1, 18 KOs) as being on the verge of becoming undisputed at 154 in his fight against WBO champ Brian Castano.

Jermell, 31, is battling WBO champion Castano (17-0-1, 12 KOs) on July 17th, with all four titles being on the line for the undisputed match-up on Showtime.

If Jermell wins that fight, Ellerbe is interested in putting together a rematch between him and Erickson ‘The Hammer’ Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs), provided he wins his next fight against former IBF/WBA 154-lb champion Jeison Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) on June 26t on the undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios on Showtime PPV.

Leonard feels that Jermell should be on the pound-for-pound list right now after everything he’s accomplished in his career. Jermell has captured three of the four titles at 154 since 2019, and he’s on the verge of unifying the division in July against Castano.

Ellerbe interested in Jermell vs. Lubin rematch

“Jermell is a dog. He’s a beast, him and Jermall,” said Leonard Ellerbe to Fighthype. “They’re both my guys, tough, they’re both dedicated, and both tremendous talents, and they’re both winners.

Image: Leonard Ellerbe: Jermell Charlo should be P-4-P; talks Jermall vs. Benavidez

“Jermell talks that talk, and he’s looking to be undisputed in the weight class. 154 is right up there; as far as top-tier talent, it’s right there.

“You’ve got these weight classes where there’s a lot of talent, and 154 is a great example. To be the king of that division, that is huge. You got guys that are nipping at the heels, looking for big opportunities.

“Let’s talk about the co-feature on Tank’s card [Erickson Lubin vs. Jeison Rosario]. That’s a great fight. Lubin is going out on the big stage, and he’s looking to push forward for that opportunity.

“He’s ready for an opportunity down the road if he can get through Rosario to get a rematch [with Jermell]. Boy, that would be a tremendous fight, but I expect the Rosario – Lubin fight to be a tremendous fight. We’ve got some tremendous fights coming up.

“Jermell is all of that,” said Ellerbe when asked if he would compare Jermell Charlo to a talent like Felix Trinidad. “He’s an exceptional talent; he’s all of that,” said Ellerbe.

Jermell already knocked out Lubin in the first round in October 2017, but a lot has changed since then. Lubin is now 25, and he’s looked exceptional in winning his last five fights.

He’s matured greatly since his fight with Charlo four years ago, and it would be saying a lot if he destroys former IBF/WBA 154-lb champion, Rosario on June 26th.

Jermall Charlo vs. David Benavidez coming soon

“Most definitely, and I think both guys want that,” said Ellerbe when asked if he’d consider making a fight between Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez.

Image: Leonard Ellerbe: Jermell Charlo should be P-4-P; talks Jermall vs. Benavidez

“None of these guys are chumps. Fighters fight; that’s what they do. Why not?” said Ellerbe upon being asked if he’d be interested in making Jermall – Benavidez.

“When the time is right, that fight [Charlo vs. Benaivdez] will be made,” said Ellerbe.

Jermall vs. former two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez (24-0, 21 KOs) will be a huge fight when it happens. For that battle to take place, Jermall will need to move up to 168.

Right now, the unbeaten Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs) is reluctant to vacate his WBC middleweight title to go up to 168, as he would no longer be champion.

There’s always a money drop-off when a fighter loses his belt, so it’s not surprising that Jermall doesn’t want to vacate his WBC 160-lb belt to get in line for a fight against WBA/WBC/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

If Jermall wants to get a taste of the big-time, he’s going to need to get out of his comfort zone and come up to 168 because he has no one to fight at 160. Gennadiy Golovkin isn’t likely to face Jermall, and it’s not worth it for him to face WBO champ, Demetrius Andrade.

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