Jermall Charlo will officially fight against Jose Benavidez Jr. on the co-main event of David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade on November 25th, 2023, in the WBC middleweight champion’s first fight since 2021.
The announcement arrives following the boxer’s struggle with mental health issues, as he seeks to return to winning ways following his last win over Juan Macias Montiel. The boxer had been linked with a fight against Canelo Alvarez only for Charlo’s brother, Jermell Charlo, to take the fight instead. And now the 160-pounder will have to overcome Benavidez Jr. The American will be a huge favorite, given that Benavidez Jr. is naturally a 154-pounder. In addition, the latter has lost the last two of his four fights, showing not the best of form. Therefore, the fight presents an opportunity for redemption for both fighters.
Reaction
“It’s been a long road to this point, but only the strong survive and I’m built different. I’m looking forward to reminding everyone that there is a reason why Jermall Charlo is an undefeated world champion and one of the best fighters today pound-for-pound. This is the next chapter of my life and it’s going to be my best,” Charlo
“I’ve been working hard and I feel strong and ready to take him out. I’ve been wanting to fight Charlo for a while. I’m going to come that night and show him what I’m about. But I’m not here trying to use words. I don’t need to say anything. I’m going to let my fists do the talking in the ring,” Benavidez Jr.
Elsewhere on the card, Subriel Matias will face Shohjahon Ergashev as the former defends his IBF junior welterweight title against his mandatory Shohjahon Ergashev. Matias grabbed the title with a win over Jeremias Ponce in a fifth-round stoppage.
The champion has won four on the bounce since his loss to Petros Ananyan. And in doing so, all four fights have failed to go the distance. Meanwhile, the challenger is undefeated as he seeks his first world title. Ergashev will be no pushover with an unbeaten record of 23 wins, with 20 by way of knockout.
In addition, Hector Garcia (the WBA Super Featherweight World Champion) takes on his mandatory Lamont Roach. Garcia’s only defeat has come at the hands of Gervonta Davis after he was stopped in the ninth round after taking the fight at 135 pounds. As for Roach, the boxer has won his last four fights as a win over Angel Rodriguez earned him the title shot.