Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) is set to make a highly anticipated return to the ring against Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-2-1, 19 KOs) in a non-title bout scheduled for November 25th at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. This fight, part of the Showtime pay-per-view event, is generating significant interest among boxing fans, with many eager to see if Charlo can maintain his dominance after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
Charlo, confident and focused, has expressed his intent to dominate and outmaneuver Benavidez Jr. He plans to use his opponent's aggressiveness against him, setting traps and capitalizing on Benavidez Jr.’s wild style. Charlo’s preparation has included refining his inside fighting skills and focusing on body shots, indicating that he’s added new elements to his arsenal during his time away from the ring.
Benavidez Jr., meanwhile, faces a formidable challenge. His recent track record includes mixed results, with a loss to Danny Garcia and a draw against Francisco Emanuel Torres. The shooting incident in 2016 significantly impacted his career trajectory, and his performance against top-tier opponents like Terence Crawford in 2018 has raised questions about his current level of competitiveness.
Charlo’s dismissive stance towards Benavidez Jr.’s chances reflects a belief in his own superiority, likening his opponent to a less talented version of Ricardo Mayorga. Charlo’s comparison implies that while Benavidez Jr. might share Mayorga’s penchant for trash-talking, he lacks the corresponding skill level.
This bout not only signifies Charlo’s return to action but also sets the stage for potential future matchups, particularly if he secures a decisive victory. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see whether Charlo’s time away from the ring has affected his performance and whether his confident predictions will materialize against Benavidez Jr. on fight night.
Image Credit: Showtime