Caleb Plant called out Jermall Charlo today saying that it’s a “fight the boxing world wants.”
The boxing world is NOT excited about Plant fighting Jermall because it’s a dead fight. Jermall has been too inactive over the last three years, and his popularity has nosedived.
It’s understandable why Plant wants the Jermall fight because it would pay better than any of the other options available for him at 168. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look promising for Plant to get the Charlo fight.
Jermall (33-0, 22 KOs) wants Canelo Alvarez to retire. He says if he can’t get the fight, he might retire. In an interview last week, Jermall didn’t seem interested in fighting Plant. Here’s why that fight won’t happen:
- Charlo’s Rust: 2 1/2 years of inactivity by Jermall and a lackluster performance against Jose Benavidez.
- Inactivity & Fading Popularity: Jermall has been too inactive to keep his popularity what it once was.
- Canelo Obsession: Jermall wants Canelo to fight and the money that comes with it. Plant would be too risky and not the kind of dough that Jermall is looking for.
Charlo recently came off a 2 1/2-year layoff to defeat Jose Benavidez by a 10-round unanimous decision last November. He looked ring-rusty but pretty good for a fighter who had been as inactive as he’d been.
“This is the fight I want, can’t make it anymore clear,” Caleb Plant said on Instagram about him wanting to fight Jermall Charlo next. “Let’s fight or leave me be and don’t mention my name anymore.
“This is the fight the boxing world wants and I’m in the business of making big fights,” said Plant.
The former IBF super middleweight champion Plant (22-2, 13 KOs) hasn’t fought in over a year, and he can’t afford to sit inactive for too long without hurting his marketability.
Plant’s Limbo
- Canelo & Benavidez Rematches: Plant already fought the two biggest names in the 168-lb division: Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, losing to both of them. It’s not realistic for Plant to hope to get rematches with either of them.
- Divisional Drought: The 168-lb division lacks marketable stars besides Canelo, Benavidez, and Jermall.
- Charlo’s Disinterest: Jermall isn’t chomping at the bit to fight Plant.
What Should Plant Do?
If Plant is just waiting around for a fight against Charlo, he wasting his time. He should try this:
- Facing Top 168-pounders: Fighting Diego Pacheco or Christian Mbilli.
- Light Heavyweight Move: Go up to 175 and target champions Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev.
