Jermell Charlo Stripped Of WBA Title, Leaving His Future In Doubt
The WBA has stripped Jermell Charlo of his Junior Middleweight Title, leaving him with no belts, as the boxer becomes a ‘Champion in Recess.’
The news means Israil Madrimov and Magomed Kurbanov will fight for the vacant belt. Charlo was the former Undisputed Junior Middleweight Champion, beating Brian Castano in 2022 to win all the belts. However, he has not boxed since losing to Canelo Alvarez last year when he jumped two weight classes to target the Mexican’s Undisputed Super Middleweight Title.
News: WBA voting is done & Jermell Charlo has been relieved of 154 belt & made "champion in recess." Madrimov-Kurbanov on #JoshuaNgannou PPV is for vacant title. Winner must face Charlo when he returns if he wants fight. Charlo, once 4-belt undisputed, has no more alphabet belts.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) March 1, 2024
After taking the fight, Charlo was stripped of his WBO belt for not defending against his WBO mandatory Tim Tszyu. Charlo then vacated his IBF belt when he was required to face his mandatory Bakhram Murtazaliev. The American was then named a ‘Champion in Recess’ for the WBC belt, as Sebastian Fundora and Serhii Bohachuk will fight for the full title on March 30. The latest ruling by the WBA leaves question marks over the boxer’s future.
Social Media Reaction
Charlo’s career has nose dived since Canelo loss inside & outside the ring. It’s unfortunate bc he was a player at 154 now he will prob be woefully inactive
— David Parker (@DavidParke60803) March 2, 2024
Charlo probably moving up permanently
— Julius Streeter (@juliusgtown76) March 1, 2024
I think Andrade said he’s gonna move back down to 160. So if he does that and jermell moves up then that’s a good one. Both coming off bad losses. Winner vs Janibek for his 2 belts
— Aseer Shameem (@AseerShameem) March 1, 2024