Charlo Will Go Back Down To 154 After Canelo Fight To Possibly Face Off Against Crawford

Jermell Charlo’s plan is to move back down to junior middleweight once he has faced Canelo Alvarez as a fight with Terence Crawford could be a possibility.  

The two boxers will face off on September 30th, 2023, in a fight where Charlo aims to become undisputed in a second weight class and claim all the belts at 168. Alvarez is the heavy favorite, while a loss for Charlo would not be damning. After all, it does nothing to impact his accomplishments at 154, even if he will be stripped of his WBO belt once the fight begins.

Although that may be the case, a win for Charlo could complicate matters. There is likely to be a rematch clause, which would keep Charlo at super middleweight once again. Thereafter, whatever the result may be, dropping back down to 154 would be difficult.

In addition, since Charlo will no longer have all the belts at 154 once the Canelo fight begins, the incentive for Crawford to face him is a lot less. After all, Bud has made it clear that his aim is to become undisputed in a third weight class. Regardless, Charlo was ready for whoever was presented to him. 

“I think that 168 is a real comfortable weight for me. I don’t want to be at 168. I’ll go down to 154. I got some other stuff to handle over there and make money over there as well. I know my brother’s at 168, and I know we’re going to be doing some shifts soon within the Charlos and the cruise and the Errols and everybody, but that’s to be determined. Where we can make a fight at, I’ll take it. I’m not too focused on Crawford at the moment,” Charlo stated 

Such a fight could make sense if Crawford faced Tim Tszyu for the WBO belt first once the latter acquires it. A win over the Australian could then set up an undisputed bout at 154. And given that Crawford is the WBO super champion at 147, he would be Tszyu’s mandatory if he moved up. But in the meantime, he must navigate the Errol Spence Jr. rematch. So, moving forward, there are still a few obstacles to overcome. 

Make sure you catch the fight live on FIGHTSPORTS MAX in the territories below.

Where And When

The card starts at 8pm ET. The ring walks for the main event should take place approximately at 11pm ET.

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