Jermell Charlo Calls Out Oscar De La Hoya
After Golden Boy Promotions top dog Oscar “The Golden Boy” De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KO’s) took to his social media account to say that the feels he could do damage in the junior middleweight division, it did not take long to get a response. In short order, WBC world junior middleweight champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (33-1, 17 KO’s) claimed he’d be happy to welcome him out of retirement!
This is not the first time the former five-division champion has teased at making a comeback. At different points, The Golden Boy has attempted to drum up a rematch with Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
He even tried his hand at luring MMA super star and one-time boxer Connor McGregor into the ring. Yet, just like those other times, it is rather unlikely he will find his way back to the ring…let alone the against Iron Man.
FROM FRIENDS TO ENEMIES
While improbable that it takes place, the two have a rich backstory. Prior to aligning himself with Premier Boxing Champions, the younger twin was signed to Golden Boy.
By his own admission, Charlo was overall happy with the roughly seven years that he spent with the company. Despite the generally harmonious relationship, he decided to depart after feeling snubbed. Once out from under the banner, the relationship continued to sour.
For Charlo, it was a slap in the face when James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (34-2, 30 KO’s) got his May 9, 2015 shot at boxing cash cow Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s) over him.
When Kirkland got the call, he was largely a non-factor in the division. Even worse, he was out of shape and was quickly (and brutally) knocked out once in the ring with Alvarez.
I’LL BE YOUR DANCE PARTNER
Both Charlo brothers have expressed interest in tangling with Canelo and, to his credit, Oscar De La Hoya has been open to a fight. Let him tell it, De La Hoya has even made offers before but nothing of substance ever materialized.
Sure, Iron Man wasted no time retweeting The Golden Boy’s post and expressing his interest in staging a fight with him. However, the younger twin did not include any vulgarities, insults or derogatory comments of any kind.
Instead, he simply stated that he believed himself to be the champion to beat in the division and invited the potential prizefight.
So, at the moment, the ball is back in Oscar De Lay Hoya’s hands. Given his track records though, it wouldn’t be good advice to start getting too excited just yet.
In this case, the smart money says this is just a fun talking point that should not grow into much more.
By: Bakari Simpson
