The Unstoppable Reign: Analyzing Jermell Charlo’s Dominance in the 154-Pound Division

Why Jermell Charlo Still Holds Belts at 154: A Cause for Concern in Boxing

Shawn Porter, a former professional boxer and commentator, has raised an important question about the current situation in the 154-pound division of boxing. He questions why Jermell Charlo, a world champion, has not been stripped of his three remaining belts despite failing to defend them for 16 months and moving up two weight divisions to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the super middleweight championship. Porter argues that allowing a champion to sit on titles and hold them hostage for an extended period of time is detrimental to the sport.

The Freeze and Climate of Inactivity

Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) has frozen his IBF, WBA, and WBC junior middleweight titles by remaining inactive while going up in weight to fight Canelo Alvarez for a substantial payday. This move has left contenders in the 154-pound division waiting for their shot at the belts. Porter expresses his surprise that Jermell still holds the titles, questioning why a champion who has not fought in over a year at that weight and has moved up two weight classes should retain his belts.

The Failure of Sanctioning Bodies

This issue extends beyond Jermell Charlo. The WBO recently stripped Charlo of his 154-pound title and elevated Tim Tszyu to full champion status, recognizing his position as the mandatory/interim champion. However, the other three sanctioning bodies, namely the IBF, WBA, and WBC, have not followed suit in stripping Jermell of his titles. This inconsistency among the sanctioning bodies is concerning and raises questions about their effectiveness and commitment to the integrity of the sport.

The WBC has also allowed Jermell’s twin brother, Jermall Charlo, to hold onto his middleweight title without defending it for 2 1/2 years. This further highlights the issue of inactivity among champions and the leniency of the governing bodies. The failure to enforce regular title defenses can undermine the credibility of the sport and unfairly disadvantages the contenders waiting for their opportunities.

The Importance of Regular Defenses

Regular defenses are crucial for maintaining the competitive nature and integrity of the sport. Championship belts should not be mere commodities to be held without facing legitimate challenges. By allowing champions to avoid defending their titles for extended periods and move up in weight classes, the sport risks losing its essence and the spirit of fair competition.

Editorial: The Need for Reform in Boxing

The situation with Jermell Charlo and the 154-pound division highlights the need for reform within boxing. The inconsistency among sanctioning bodies in enforcing regular title defenses undermines the credibility of the sport and disadvantages deserving contenders. It is imperative that the governing bodies reevaluate their criteria and protocols for stripping champions who fail to defend their titles within a reasonable timeframe.

Furthermore, the practice of champions moving up in weight classes without defending their titles should also be addressed. While fighters have the right to pursue bigger opportunities and financial rewards, it should not come at the expense of fairness to other fighters in their division. Stricter regulations and accountability measures need to be implemented to prevent champions from sitting on their titles and avoiding legitimate challenges.

Advice for Jermell Charlo and the Future of the 154-Pound Division

For Jermell Charlo, it is time to make a decision. If he intends to remain at 168 pounds, he should relinquish his 154-pound titles and allow the division to move forward with active and deserving champions. Holding onto those belts while pursuing higher weight classes sends a message of disrespect to the division and the contenders who have been patiently waiting for their opportunities.

As for the sanctioning bodies, they must prioritize the integrity of the sport and the interests of fighters in the division. Regular title defenses should be mandated and enforced. Stripping champions who fail to comply with these regulations should be a necessary step to ensure fairness and maintain the competitive nature of the sport.

In the broader context, this situation should serve as a wake-up call for boxing as a whole. The sport needs comprehensive reforms to address issues of inactivity, inconsistent regulations, and the overemphasis on financial gains. By prioritizing fairness, integrity, and the interests of all fighters, boxing can restore its reputation and create a more compelling and credible environment for both the athletes and the fans.