A legendary boxing champion is dusting off his gloves and stepping back into the spotlight after years away—hungry for redemption and ready to take on the best in the world! Imagine being at the top of your game, holding the ultimate prize in boxing, only to face a crushing defeat that changes everything. That's the story of Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed light-middleweight champion who's now gearing up for an epic comeback after more than two years out of the ring. But here's where it gets intriguing: with his bold declaration of wanting 'all the smoke'—meaning he's ready for any challenge—fans are buzzing about who he'll face next and whether he can recapture his glory.
It's been a little over two years since Charlo last stepped into the squared circle, where he suffered his first professional loss to the legendary Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas back in September 2023. For those new to the sport, an 'undisputed champion' means someone who holds all the major title belts in their weight class, a rare feat that signifies ultimate dominance. Canelo, the Mexican superstar, dominated the fight with his skill and precision, earning a unanimous decision victory and defending his undisputed super-middleweight championship for the third time. Charlo, who was previously unbeaten, looked overwhelmed, getting knocked down and struggling to keep up with Canelo's relentless pressure.
Interestingly, this wasn't Charlo's first setback. Before facing Canelo, his only other defeat came in December 2018 against fellow American Tony Harrison via unanimous decision at the Barclays Center in New York. But Charlo didn't stay down for long—he bounced back in spectacular fashion just a year later, stopping Harrison in the penultimate round (that's the second-to-last round) of their rematch in California. This comeback win allowed him to reclaim the WBC light-middleweight title, proving his resilience and skill in one of boxing's classic rivalries.
And this is the part most people miss: Charlo's training clips are already turning heads. Recently, he shared his fiery words on Instagram Live, expressing his desire to 'fight the best' and embrace every challenge. Fans have spotted him back in the gym, putting in the hard work behind the scenes. A short video clip shared on social media shows Charlo fully immersed in his training, with no days off as he sharpens his skills for what's ahead. As Fight Hub TV tweeted in November 2025, '💥 No days off for Jermell Charlo as he is locked in at the gym, sharpening his tools for what’s next! 🥊 Who do you think he will fight next? #Boxing' The reactions from fans say it all: One supporter noted, 'Mf looks solid..let’s go Charlo,' while another added, 'Keep on working they know wtf is up.' And a thoughtful comment highlighted, 'EVERYONE…. Is just one win away from redemption, one minor win for most,' reminding us that in boxing, one fight can redefine a career.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can a fighter like Charlo truly bounce back after such a dominant loss, or is the boxing world moving on without him? Some might argue that his defeat to Canelo exposed flaws that even intense training can't fix, while others believe his past revenge win over Harrison shows he's capable of comebacks. It's a debate worth having—after all, boxing is full of underdogs who defy the odds, like when a lesser-known fighter unexpectedly upsets a champion. Reports suggest Charlo could return to the ring sometime in the first quarter of 2026, with details on the date and opponent expected to drop soon. This could be his shot at another world title, potentially setting up some massive matchups.
What do you think? Is Jermell Charlo's comeback realistic, or has the sport passed him by? Who should he face first—maybe a rematch with Canelo, or someone else entirely? Share your opinions in the comments and let's discuss!
