Jermell Charlo Looks to Define Legacy Against Canelo
By: ShreyLions Only
How much does a fighter need to prove to afford himself the kind of blockbuster, career-defining opportunity he's likely dreamed about since he first laced his gloves? In boxing, “lion” is a common moniker to describe a young, hungry fighter ready to fiercely pave the way for his legacy. Embracing this idea, Jermell Charlo coined the promotional brand “Lions Only” with his older twin brother, Jermall, to signify how committed he was to keep chasing the biggest challenges he could find. The irony is that 16 years after starting his career, he is only just getting a chance to “hunt” one of boxing's biggest names, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and show the world his ability to step up to an unlikely yet perhaps long-coming opportunity.
Rise of the Twin Champions from the South
Jermell grew up in Texas, starting boxing at the age of 8 alongside Jermall, his twin. Their talent was quickly discovered, and they progressed through the amateur system, racking up wins until they became professionals in 2008 and began their championship journeys. They were highly regarded prospects who won world championship titles in 2015 and 2016, famously becoming the first simultaneous twin titleholders in one division (and only the second simultaneous twin titleholders ever). While this was already an achievement worthy of a lifetime for some, the brothers never stopped looking forward at the next greatest challenge available.
Unfortunately for Jermell, however, one of the challenges he began to face was the constant comparisons to his brother. Jermall became champion first, and by 2016 had the more impressive set of wins against stronger opponents. He ousted the champion Bundrage by KO and had powerful wins against former champion Austin Trout and dangerous challenger Julian Williams. At the time, Jermell seemed to struggle a bit more in his fights and, boxing fans being quick to judge, deemed him “the other Charlo”.
Jermell, not being one to shy away from his emotions, set out to let the world know how unfounded that notion was - he took on every challenger in his way and consistently chased the biggest names available. In this process, he faced setbacks, including a close loss and a close draw, but he avenged both those blemishes with KO wins and now stands as the undisputed champion of the Jr. Middleweight division. And most importantly, he now has the chance to gain even more.
An Uphill Challenge
Canelo Alvarez scarcely needs introduction, having reigned briefly as boxing’s pound-for-pound king and having brought in more PPV sales than nearly any fighter in the last few years. He has long been challenged online and in the media by the Charlo brothers but, having his pick of opponents across the world, he only chose to fight them several years later. Both Charlos have long yearned to test themselves against the very best, and it may have been frustrating for them to sometimes watch less recognized fighters take on the biggest names like Golovkin, Cotto, Saunders, and Canelo himself. One cannot blame them for carrying this frustration to their media appearances and interviews - and it’s clear with this bout that Jermell meant every word when he promised to take the biggest fights no matter what.
Canelo, a supremely confident fighter who has only lost in the 175lb division in the last 10 years, initially planned to schedule a 168lbs defense against Jermall (who has now moved to the 160lbs division). It is fascinating how this is the only reason Jermell got his shot - stepping in for his brother (practically out of his shadow) when the timing for Jermall couldn’t work out. He will be going up two weight classes to a division where Canelo has looked his strongest, clearly having the advantage despite being noticeably shorter than Jermell.
Few are picking Jermell to win, but this hasn’t dimmed his glowing confidence. Though once again he may come in as the “other Charlo”, Jermell clearly intends to change the conversation permanently with this opportunity - not in any way to spite his brother, but rather to bring home the glory to the “Lions Only” when his brother couldn’t.
