Jermall Charlo v Jaime Munguia Talks Collapse at the Negotiations Table
The boxing gods have done it again. They giveth and then taketh away. Fans were excited concerning reports that former WBO junior middleweight champ Jaime Munguia (39-0, 31 KO’s) and WBC middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (32-0, 22 KO’s) were negotiating a fight. However, ESPN reveals negotiations have gone up in smoke.
THE BACKSTORY OF HOW WE GOT HERE
After easily dispatching D’mitrius Ballard in three quick rounds on February 19, Munguia made it clear he wants to fight for a championship. It appeared as if he was going to stay true to that statement by looking at fighting Charlo. Moreover, keep in mind the Mexican fighter has been the number one challenger for quite some time now.
In 2021, the WBC ordered a final eliminator between Munguia and three-time title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko. He opted to fight Gabe Rosado, a move many boxing pundits questioned as bizarre. Moreover, he was ordered to fight top WBO contender Janibek Alimkhanuly for the interim title. With Demetrius Andrade moving up and vacating the title, the winner could be elevated to champion.
THE BUSINESS SIDE OF BOXING HAS FAILED THE SPORT AGAIN
The WBO has since ordered Alimkhanuly to fight Danny Dignum, leaving Munguia’s only option to fight Charlo. This now seems unlikely. Reports are that Premier Boxing Champions and Golden Boy Promotions are unable to agree on U.S. broadcasting rights.
Per ESPN, PBC offered the broadcasting rights of Mexico and the U.K. to Golden Boy. However, Golden Boy failed to respond by the deadline to close the deal on March 11. It looks like the original game plan will be implemented as Munguia more than likely faces Carlos Adames in a final eliminator.
This is a major letdown for the sport of boxing, and the WBC needs to step in and scrap the final eliminator by ordering Charlo and Munguia to fight or issue a purse bid.
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By: Garrisson Bland
