American undisputed Super Welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo has sounded off on Terence Crawford’s ambitions to move up to 154 lbs to possibly face him. In an interview with sports broadcaster Brian Custer, Jermell Charlo welcomed the possibility of fighting Crawford, yet in the same breath seemed to disregard him as a worthy opponent.
In response to Brian Custer presenting Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KO’s) with a list of quotes of Terence Crawford (39-0, 30 KO’s) where he seemed derisive of Charlo’s accomplishments in the sport, the undisputed Junior Middleweight champion seemed none too bothered by Crawford’s comments.
“You get your paperwork right, talk to Mr. Haymon and we’ll get the fight going.” Jermell Charlo stated on The Last Stand podcast. “Let’s get a big fight going matter of fact, and I’ll show you better than I can tell you.“
Though Charlo initially seemed to acknowledge Crawford’s skills as a fighter, he also didn’t appear to be above ridiculing Crawford’s resume and career.
“He ain’t fought nobody. He just got out of his Top Rank contract cause Bob didn’t want his a** so he just got rid of him.” Charlo said while barely managing to contain his laughter. “Why don’t you make the fight with the man’s that in front (of) you. Errol been calling you out. Get in the ring man!”
Unified Welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-0, 22 KO’s) is Charlo’s stablemate – with both fighters training under the same coach in Derrick James – and will obviously have shared his side of the story in trying to get a fight with Terence Crawford, but it has already been highlighted how the PBC – who promote both Spence and Charlo – have been at the forefront of issues that has led to a fight between Crawford and Spence not happening.
Charlo’s own claims that Crawford has not fought anybody – particularly at 147 lbs – can be attributed to the best competition in the division being employed by the PBC, which has made it easier for Errol Spence to receive the best fights available as the PBC has clearly preferred in-house fights.
Despite not fighting the absolute best in the division, Crawford has clearly made due by fighting the next best available fighters who almost all have were considered top 10 contenders on the various governing body ranking boards when they fought Crawford. Exceptions are Amir Khan and Kell Brook who seemed intent on facing Crawford and received the opportunity due to their previous achievements in the sport – as well as their household names in the UK – as world champions.
Jermell Charlo also continued to question Crawford’s pick of opponents and business decisions. and suggested his last match on BLK Prime was a mistake despite Terence Crawford earning a comfortable eight-figures for his last appearance on the streaming service. Despite his rather scathing comments against Crawford, Charlo seemed none too bothered at potentially facing the WBO Welterweight champion in the ring.
“I don’t know what he want to do but I’m down to fight. I don’t got time to go back and forth. You a little boy, you come from 140 lbs, and you’re not even strong enough to handle what I’m gonna throw at you. I’m like none of these guys he’s fought before.” Charlo said confidently. “I am undisputed for a reason.“
The “Iron Man” as Jermell Charlo is also known as, is currently recovering from a hand injury which put him out of a potential fight with Tim Tszyu (22-0, 16 KO’s) who recently defeated former WBC champion Tony Harrison (29-4-1, 21 KO’s) to seal his chance to face Charlo for all the world titles. Though the WBO has recently put out a notice for Jermell Charlo to reveal his current injury status and possible date he could return to training and the ring, Charlo seems to already have a good sense for when he’d return when asked on when he’d fight Tim Tszyu.
“By the end of the summer or so. Hopefully, the middle of this year. It could be August, it could be July, it could be whenever.” Jermell Charlo confirmed.
