In a significant development for boxing enthusiasts, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is set to defend his super middleweight championship against Jermall Charlo on May 4th, coinciding with the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Las Vegas. This bout is anticipated to be the highlight of Canelo’s major announcement, as confirmed by sources to Ring Magazine.
Jermall Charlo steps into the ring with the intent to redeem his twin brother Jermell's loss to Canelo last September. Despite the setback his brother faced, Jermall is recognized for his relentless fighting spirit, contrasting significantly with Jermell’s recent performance against Canelo. Nevertheless, Jermall’s recent inactivity and less-than-stellar performance in his comeback fight against Jose Benavidez Jr. last November have raised concerns about his readiness for this high-stakes match.
The selection of Jermall Charlo as Canelo’s next opponent has sparked debate among boxing fans, many of whom had hoped to see Canelo take on fighters like David Benavidez or Jaime Munguia. Critics argue that Jermall, having fought only once in the past three years, may not be the most deserving contender, especially when considering other potential matchups.
However, this fight aligns with the strategic considerations within Canelo’s contract with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), suggesting that a bout with Jaime Munguia could be a possibility for September. David Benavidez, the WBC interim super middleweight champion, expressed frustration over being overlooked for the May 4th fight, despite his strong credentials in the division.
As the boxing world awaits Canelo’s official announcement, there is speculation that he may also disclose plans beyond his PBC engagement. Boxing expert Rick Glaser had hinted at a possible departure from PBC by Canelo, though current reports focus solely on the upcoming bout with Jermall Charlo.
Image Credit: DAZN