Jose Benavidez Jr. Hits Jermall Charlo for Needing a Catchweight
When WBC middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (32-0, 22KO) steps into the ring for the first time in two years, against Jose “El Phoenix” Benavidez Jr. (28-2-1, 19KO), the title won’t be on the line. El Phoenix believes it’s because the champion lacks enough discipline to make weight.
The boxing world received news that Charlo and Benavidez Jr. were set to clash on the undercard of David Benavidez versus Demetrius Andrade on November 25. However, they will be fighting at a catchweight of 163 pounds, which means the title won’t be on the line.
THE CHAMPION LACKS DISCIPLINE
During the press conference, Benavidez went after Hit Man for not being able to make weight and defend the title.
“It’s at 163 pounds because this guy had to make up excuses that he couldn’t make the weight. So, he was going through some hard times, I guess, so he can’t make the weight. So, you ask him about that. The boy is not disciplined, the boy is not disciplined. So it is what it is.”
Despite El Phoenix not being ranked as a middleweight, he has a valid point. For the past two years, the WBC champion sat idle at home citing mental issues.
When the organization didn’t place him as Champion in Recess, which is normal practice, some inside the boxing community accused them of protecting Charlo. The last time Charlo put the title on the line was against Juan Macias Montiel in June 2021.
There is no justifiable reason why the Texan shouldn’t be fighting at middleweight, even if the title would not have been up for grabs. The criticism surrounding this catchweight clash will undoubtedly be a talking point in the lead-up to the fight.
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