Jermell Charlo is in line for a shock world title shot next despite being out of the ring for just shy of two years.
The 35-year-old from Lafayette, Louisiana has not fought as a professional since he was beaten by Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in September of 2023, falling short in his attempt at becoming the undisputed super-middleweight champion in the process.
Charlo had previously held the undisputed super welterweight championship between 2022 and 2023, becoming the first male fighter in boxing history to achieve this feat within the ‘four belt era’ when he defeated Brian Castano in May 2022.
‘Iron Man’ has received persistent criticism from fans and analysts around the world for his inactivity over the last couple of years, appearing on just four occasions since September of 2020.
It appears that the 35-year-old could be on the verge of making a shock return to the ring however, after it was revealed that he could be heading towards fighting for a world title.
As reported by Dan Rafael, Charlo will become the mandatory challenger to WBA interim world super welterweight champion Abass Baraou, who is set to be elevated to full world champion as soon as Terence Crawford steps into the ring to face Canelo Alvarez next month.
Baraou captured the WBA interim title at 154lbs last Saturday night, defeating the previously unbeaten highly-rated Cuban Yoenis Tellez via unanimous decision at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.
The 30-year-old from Germany, who has suffered just one defeat as a professional, will finally become a world champion next month, having already captured the European super-welterweight title last year.
