Legal Team Challenges Jermell Charlo’s WBO Ordered Fight

Jermell Charlo is stuck in the middle.

Two weeks ago, the WBO ordered Charlo, the new undisputed super welterweight champion, to face mandatory challenger Tim Tszyu and defend all four titles. They reportedly have come to terms, but Dan Rafael revealed that Charlo has a binding contract with IBF mandatory Bakhram Murtazaliev after the Brian Castano rematch.

“There exists a contract for Jermell Charlo to fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev and it appears that the WBO is interfering with that contract and with the prospective economic advantage of Bakhram Murtazaliev,” Pat English, lead counsel for Murtazaliev’s promoter Main Events, noted to the WBO and all involved parties in a legal letter, a copy that Boxing Scene obtained.

“In order that there be no dispute regarding the Charlo/[Castano] rematch certain promises were made, in writing, by both Jermell Charlo and TGB Promotions.”

According to the document, Charlo agreed that he had ten days to either relinquish the title or fight Murtazaliev. He chose the latter and signed an acknowledgement letter on January 24.

Murtazaliev and his team will reportedly be enforcing the agreement. He’s been Charlo’s mandatory since overcoming Jorge Fortea in November 2019.

Murtazaliev has stepped aside three times for Charlo’s unifications with Jeison Rosario and Castano.

Meanwhile, Tszyu was next in line for a shot at the WBO strap, but that was delayed after Castano and Charlo agreed to rematch. It got delayed again when Castano suffered an injury.