Jermell Charlo, an American boxing sensation, has been making waves in the world of professional boxing for several years now. Born on May 19, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Charlo has carved a name for himself with his impressive skills and dedication to the sport.
Although born in Louisiana, Jermell grew up in Houston, Texas. And while many fans are familiar with his prowess in the ring, there are several intriguing aspects of his life that may not be known.
10 The Charlo Twins
Jermell Charlo is one half of the famous Charlo twins in the world of boxing. His identical twin brother, Jermall Charlo, also competes professionally and has held the WBC middleweight title. The Charlo brothers' journey from humble beginnings to becoming world champions is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, one that resonates with fans and aspiring boxers alike.
From a young age, the twins found themselves drawn to the sport of boxing, perhaps as an escape from the hardships they faced in their surroundings. Under the guidance of their father, Kevin Charlo, who recognized their potential, the brothers began training and honing their skills in the local gym. Their journey in the boxing world was far from easy. They faced a fair share of obstacles along the way, but the twins refused to be deterred. Their determination to rise above adversity and achieve greatness was evident from the start.
On May 21, 2016, the twins made history at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas when both Jermell and Jermall walked away with championship belts around their waist.
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9 Unified Champion
In a remarkable achievement, Jermell became the unified WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO super welterweight champion. This feat, which he accomplished in 2021, solidified his status as one of the best fighters in the division. His ability to unify multiple titles is a testament to his exceptional skills.
In 2022, he was also ranked as the world's tenth-best active boxer, pound for pound, by The Ring and the Transitional Boxing Rankings Board.
8 Undefeated Streak
Jermell Charlo boasted an impressive undefeated record through most of his professional career. He faced numerous formidable opponents such as Gabriel Rosado, Vanes Martirosyan, and Demetrius Hopkins, and emerged victorious, making him a force to be reckoned with in the super welterweight division. Currently, Jermell still boasts an incredible record, sitting at 35-1-1 with 19 KOs.
7 Lions Only Promotions
In addition to his boxing career, Jermell is also involved in promoting the sport's rising talent. He co-founded Lions Only Promotions, a company aimed at nurturing and promoting young talents in the boxing world, with his twin brother Jermall. His commitment to the growth of the sport extends beyond his own in-ring success.
6 Charitable Initiatives
Jermell is not just a fighter in the ring but also a fighter for the greater good. He has been actively involved in charitable initiatives, supporting causes like cancer awareness in children and providing scholarships to underprivileged youth. Upon receiving an honorary day, "Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day" so named upon June 19, 2021, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement that "the Charlo Brothers are ambitious and steadfast supporters of their hometown. Together they have formed Lions Only Promotions to help stage their events and help give back to the community here in Houston."
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5 Unique Ring Walks
Jermell is known for his unique ring walk entrances. He often incorporates elements of his roots and personal style into his entrances, making them memorable and entertaining for fans. These entrances, harkening back to fighters such as Hector "Macho" Camacho and "Prince" Naseem Hamed, have become a trademark of his fights, adding an extra layer of excitement to his fights.
4 Split Decision Controversy
One of the most notorious aspects of Jermell's career is the controversy surrounding his first fight against Tony Harrison in December 2018. Jermell lost the fight via a controversial unanimous decision (113-115, 113-115, 112-116) which many fans and analysts felt was an error, including FOX Sports's unofficial scorer Larry Hazzard and the entirety of the FOX Sports broadcast table at ringside. Charlo would go on to avenge this loss one year later in a rematch by knocking out Harrison in the 11th round to regain his WBC World Super Welterweight title.
3 Mexican Heritage Connection
Jermell has a strong connection to Mexican culture and boxing. Despite being American-born, he proudly embraces and has expressed his admiration for the traditional Mexican style of hard-hitting boxing, as well as Mexican boxing legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales. This cultural connection, plus Houston's relative proximity, has endeared him to Mexican boxing fans.
2 Ring IQ
One of Jermell's most underrated - and most dangerous - qualities as a boxer is his exceptional ring intelligence. He is known for his ability to read his opponents, adapt to different fighting styles, and make strategic adjustments during a fight. His keen boxing IQ allows him to outthink his opponents in the heat of battle, making him a formidable and unpredictable adversary in the super welterweight division.
1 The Hatton Connection
Jermell has been trained by the renowned British trainer Ricky Hatton, a former world champion in his own right. His partnership with Hatton brought an added layer of expertise to his training and has contributed to his continued success in the ring. Hatton's vast experience and knowledge of the sport have played a crucial role in Jermell's development as a top-tier boxer.
Jermell's journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a unified champion is a testament to his dedication and talent. As he prepares to face Canelo Alvarez in what promises to be an epic showdown on September 30, 2023, fans can't help but be excited about the future of this remarkable boxer. From his undefeated record to his charitable endeavors, Jermell has left an indelible mark on the world of boxing.
Champions will collide at the Charlo vs. Canelo fight on September 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but only one will remain undisputed.
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