WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo 32-0 (22) says getting back into the ring at his own pace was crucial after mental health battles kept him on the sidelines for two-and-a-half years.
The 33-year-old Charlo from Houston, Texas has not boxed since his virtual shutout against Juan Macias Montiel 23-6-2 (23) in June 2021.
He will return to action against Jose Benavidez Jr 28-2-1 (19) in a 10-round 163-pound non-title bout at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 25.
“I’m excited to be back – back where I belong,” Charlo said. “I’m really re-learning boxing, like in the amateurs all over again. I feel new to it. It’s a thrill at the same time. I’m putting my life on the line once again, to shock the world and let people know that I’m on top.
“A lot of people consider mental health when you can’t stabilise your mind and think forward. And that’s kind of where I was at. I was in a place of not being able to explain it to anyone and kind of always shielded it and I had to fight through that through my learning experiences.
“The main thing I’ve learned this whole time is patience. I got ready on my own terms. I’m back in the ring on my own terms. I feel better at my own pace and I’m going to go in and face my battles on my own timing.”
Phoenix, Arizona’s Benavidez, 31, has done his best to get under the skin of Charlo in the lead up to the bout.
“Benavidez is just one of those guys who has to make a name for himself,” Charlo said. “Of course, talking shit to me would be the best thing you can do because you’re only amping the fight up.
“I mean, I guess he is trying to sell the fight, but I’m taking it personal and I’m taking it seriously. I’m not taking his words lightly.
“He wants to fight me I guess in revenge for his brother. There’s a lot of brother-brother stuff going on, you know, the Charlo brothers and the Benavidez brothers. So it’s the battle of the brothers and if you want this to be your biggest rival, let’s do it. I’m coming back after two years, no excuses. I’m here to fight.
“I don’t have respect for him. I have respect for myself to go out there and dictate the fight, be patient. Of course, if I hit him flush, I’ll knock him cold out. Walking all over him, AI (Allen Iverson) shit.
“I’m going crazy. I’m just trying not to let the excitement overpower me.
“I actually want to be more active next year, take on two or three fights. I’m ready to stay in the gym and stay focused and hopefully I can land one of those big fights you want to see.
“Maybe the winner out of the main event or maybe [undisputed super middleweight champion Saul] Canelo [Alvarez], YouTubers coming up. You know, I really don’t care. I just want to fight.”
