By Sean Jones: Jermell Charlo says his career focus now is getting the “most money” he can, and he says it’s not “satisfying” to fight the winner of the Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza fight to recapture his 154-lb undisputed championship.
(Photo credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)
Now down in his luck & needy, Jermell says he’s returning to 154, but he may find himself with zero options for him to get the massive payday that he just enjoyed last Saturday night in his one-sided twelve round unanimous decision defeat at the hands of undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
Jermell on skid row
Terrence Crawford, the guy that Jermell wants at 154, was so disgusted by his lack of effort against Canelo that he’s said, “He’s no longer on my hit list.”
If Crawford doesn’t change his mind, that essentially limits Jermell’s choices at 154 to these fighters:
Tim Tszyu
Brian Mendoza
Erickson Lubin
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
Jermell’s performance against Canelo was so bad that it would be impossible to put his next fight on Showtime PPV against any of the available fighters without Crawford.
If Jermell stayed at 168, he’d be a useful trial horse for the youngers David Benavidez or David Morrell Jr. to bat around the ring, get practice, and add his pelt to their collection. There would be money for Jermell fighting Benavidez or Caleb Plant.
The outcome obviously would be bad for Jermell, but it would be just as poor if he returns to 154 and puts his hide on the line for the winner of the Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza fight.
Fighting Tszyu would bring in the Australian PPV dough, but it’s not a match that would sell in the U.S., especially given how bad Jermell looked against Canelo.
“I just follow the plans and fight whoever,” said Jermell Charlo when asked at the post-fight press conference if he wants to fight the winner of the Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza fight to regain his undisputed 154-lb championship next.
It would be a mistake for Jermell to fight the Tszyu-Mendoza winner because those guys punch too hard and would do a number on him. Tszyu hits as hard as Canelo but with a better work rate & punch variety.
If Jermell took that fight, he’d likely be knocked out, and his days of chasing money fights would be finished. Given the high risk involved with fighting Tszyu, the management for Jermell will steer him away from that danger and try and persuade Crawford to change his mind.
Charlo only wants money fights
“It’s about being great, and I’m already a legend in boxing. Hopefully, y’all put me in the Hall of Fame. I don’t know who the hell controls that, but I deserve it.
“It’s about fighting the best fights and making the most money at this point in my life and career,” said Jermell when asked if he wants to regain his undisputed championship at 154.
“So, fighting Brian Mendoza or Tszyu, it’s not as satisfying. I’ll listen to my coaches and follow the plans of my management,” said Jermell.
So there it is. Jermell wants no part of fighting Mendoza or Tszyu and just wants “the most money,” which means he’s going to have to get on his hands & knees to start begging Crawford for a fight.
