Jermell Charlo’s Shift in Perspective
In a notable shift since his earlier statements in 2022, Jermell Charlo is now considering the possibility of a match against his long-time acquaintance and fellow PBC member, Errol Spence Jr. Previously, Charlo had firmly rejected the idea of stepping into the ring with Spence, emphasizing that their strong personal connection complicated any potential fight. He stated,
“I cannot fight my stablemate [Spence]. Terence Crawford is the one I’m looking to face. I have no emotional ties with him, and we can easily make our fight happen. Fighting someone like Spence would feel like facing my own twin brother.”
Changing Career Paths
At that time, both fighters were on distinct paths with separate ambitions: Spence was aiming for a high-profile bout with Terence Crawford at welterweight, while Charlo sought to defend his undisputed super welterweight championship. Their intertwining careers were expected to run parallel without converging.
The Current Landscape
Flash forward to 2025, and the landscape has shifted considerably. Spence has experienced a significant setback, suffering a career-defining loss to Crawford, while Charlo has relinquished his stranglehold on the super welterweight division. As both boxers now find themselves at defining crossroads in their careers, the prospect of a Charlo versus Spence matchup is beginning to look more feasible.
Promotional Changes and Fan Reactions
The promotional scenario has also changed, as Al Haymon‘s roster of fighters is not as expansive as it once was, making a fight between these two former champions a potentially monumental event in American boxing. Fans are buzzing about the idea on social media, expressing a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism, with some even labeling the proposed fight as ‘wild.’ Others argue that both fighters are past their prime, having recently tasted defeat against top-level opponents like Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, who are set to face off next month.
A Crucial Test Ahead
Should these two agree to combat, it would serve as a crucial test for each. Charlo’s past reluctance to engage with Spence may fade amidst the backdrop of financial motivations, legacy ambitions, and the pressing need to create meaningful matchups in the latter stages of their boxing journeys. Boxing history is replete with tales of fighters overcoming personal reluctances to meet in competition, and now that both men have encountered their share of struggles, what was once deemed impossible might just become unavoidable.
