Jermall Charlo’s return bout after two years of inactivity was plunged into doubt when he missed a catchweight by 3.4lbs.
Charlo still holds the WBC Middleweight World title despite not having a defence since a unanimous decision win over Juan Macias Montiel in June of 2021. In the time since, he has suffered a back injury and mental health struggles.
The 33-year-old is set to face Jose Benavidez Jr this Saturday in Las Vegas, although his belt won’t be on the line and the fight is over ten rounds at a catchweight of 163.
Benavidez – whose brother is one half of the main event against Demetrius Andrade – weighed in at 161.2lbs whilst Charlo tipped the scales at 166.4lbs and, according to reporter Keith Idec, came in slightly heavier on a second attempt.
Jermall Charlo came in at 166.6 pounds on his 2nd attempt at making weight, heavier than his first try (166.4). #BenavidezAndrade
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) November 24, 2023
The four pounds difference is, as of writing, being discussed behind closed doors, with the only likely solution for the fight to go ahead being compensation for Benavidez’ side.
It’s a far from an ideal start to Charlo’s comeback, and potentially damaging to the entire show – important given it’s Showtime Boxing’s last pay-per-view effort before shutting its doors and leaving the sport of boxing entirely.
