By Sean Jones: Fans are excited about Jermall Charlo being mentioned as one of two options for Canelo Alvarez’s next fight in September. There’s still nothing concrete and it’s possible that Canelo might go in another direction towards facing WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack.
In a speculation piece today, Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Deportes mentioned that Canelo (59-2-2, 39 KOs) could fight the inactive Jermall (32-0, 22 KOs) he appears to be guessing with his news.
Rodriguez admits in his article that Badou Jack is STILL possible. In other words, he has NO idea who Canelo will fight next. We’ll eventually fight out, but for the fans that believe that Canelo is fighting Jermall next, they need to hold back because he’s not revealed who he’s fighting next.
Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza has already thrown cold water on the report, saying that Canelo’s team is still looking at options rather than having conclusively made up their minds that they’re fighting the unbeaten Charlo next.
“Everything SEEMS to indicate that Canelo Álvarez is directed at Jermall Charlo,” said Salvador Rodriguez to ESPN Deportes about the Mexican star’s next fight.
“Among the options still alive, Badou Jack was undoubtedly solid because there Canelo would have the opportunity to seek the five-time world championship that he has been eyeing for a long time. IF this comes to fruition, Canelo would be working again with Al Haymon for the first time since November 2021,” said Salvador Rodriguez in his speculative piece.
We don’t know who Canelo will be fighting next, but it would make him look bad if he fights Jermall or Badou because those guys are not who the public wants to see him fight next. Jermall hasn’t fought since 2021. He’s been dealing with personal problems, and Canelo will look like a cherry-picker if he faces him next.
As for WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack, he’s about to turn 40 and doesn’t have a huge fan base in the U.S.
Showtime boss throws cold water on Canelo-Charlo talk
“I’m really encouraged by the fact that there have been discussions. I hesitate to get too excited because Canelo’s team are doing what smart people do,” said Stephen Espinoza of Showtime to Fighthype this week.
“They’re taking a tour and evaluating all the options. Whether it’s [Dmitry] Bivol, [David] Benavidez, Badou Jack, or Charlo. I’m glad that Charlo and Benavidez are in that conversation selfishly again because, as a fan, those are the two fights that I want to see the most.
“It’s hard to take anything as momentous at this point because clearly, they’re [Team Canelo] are at the early stages of trying to figure out which direction they’re going. It is encouraging that there are some enticing options. It’s in play,” said Espinoza.