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Cocky American boxer Jermell Charlo will likely move back to the super-welterweight division, but won’t commit to fighting Aussie Tim Tszyu unless it nets him a big payday.
Charlo officially vacated the WBO title on Sunday when he stepped into the ring against Canelo Alvarez, moving up two weight divisions to take a pop at the undisputed Mexican champion.
But Charlo was handed a lesson in the ring, and lost the WBO belt to Tszyu at the same time.
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Charlo still holds the IBF, WBA, and WBC super-welterweight belts, but can no longer call himself an undisputed champion. The only way he could get that title back is if he fights the winner of Tszyu vs Brian Mendoza, and wins.
He was scheduled to fight Tszyu in January for all the belts, before the American broke a hand in training.
Sunday was the first time Charlo had been seen in the ring since May last year, and his performance against Alvarez left much to be desired.
Boxing Hall of Fame member Lou DiBella tweeted, “I don’t think Tim Tszyu would have had any problem with Charlo tonight… Charlo wasn’t ready to fight”.
DiBella later clarified by saying Charlo was far from his best on Sunday, but believes he could beat Tszyu at the peak of his powers.
In his post-fight press conference, Charlo was asked whether a bout with Tszyu or Mendoza – who will fight on the Gold Coast on October 15 – was next.
“I just follow the plans and I’ll fight whoever,” Charlo said.
“It’s about being great, and I’m already a legend in boxing. Hopefully ya’ll put me in the hall of fames, I don’t know who the hell controls that, but I deserve it.
“Possibly if I come back to 154 (pounds, super-welterweight), or… I’ll just listen to my coaches, whatever they tell me to do next.”
Charlo was asked directly if he was interested in reclaiming the crown of undisputed super-welterweight king again.
“Of course,” he said.
“But it’s about fighting the best fights and making the most money at this point in my life and career.
“So fighting Brian Mendoza, or Tazoo (Tszyu), who’s got an Australian fanbase, is just not as satisfying to me sometimes.
“But I listen to my coaches, follow the plans and my management, and go from there.”
The deliberate mispronunciation of Tszyu’s name once again will likely anger the Aussie, who’s previously told Charlo to “say my motherf—ing name”.
While Charlo sat idle for months after breaking his hand, Tszyu kept busy by annihilating both Tony Harrison and Carlos Ocampo in Australia.
If he beats Mendoza on the Gold Coast his next fight will likely be back in America, where Charlo potentially awaits.
Last month Tszyu called Charlo a “cat”, and he’s previously lambasted the American for “partying in Las Vegas” and failing to properly defend his super-welterweight titles.
