Jermall Charlo rockets to WBA #2 in super middleweight rankings

Jermall Charlo has elevated to #2 in the WBA’s rankings at super middleweight after defeating journeyman Thomas LaManna by a sixth-round technical knockout last Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Super Middleweight Weakness

The 168-lb division is so weak that Charlo being moved to #2 is a reasonable thing to do. It’s not like there’s a lot of great talent in the weight class that deserves to be ranked higher. #1 is Bektemir Melikuziev. The new WBA interim champion is Armando Resendiz, who dethroned Caleb Plant last Saturday night.

Armando Resendiz – WBA interim

1. Bektemir Melikuziev
2. Jermall Charlo
3. Lester Martinez
4. Caleb Plant
5. Edgar Berlanga

Charlo looked impressive against LaManna (39-6-1, 18 KOs), dropping him in rounds 3, 4, and 5 before the contest was halted one second into round 6 by the ringside doctor. Jermall didn’t look that bad for having been out of the ring for two years. He showed elite-level power throughout, and a jab that is arguably the best in the division. Charlo’s timing was off, and he appeared to be carrying a little extra weight.

Jermall vs. LaManna Punch Stats

• Charlo: 67 of 210 punches for 31.9% connect rate
• LaManna: 19 of 150 punches for 12.7%

When the fight was halted in round six, Jermall was up by the scores 60-52, 60-52, and 60-52.

Whoever emerges as the winner of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight might be interested in fighting Jermall, as he’s now the most notable fighter following Plant’s defeat.

Jermall and Plant had planned on fighting next, but it’s questionable whether they will now. Plant was beaten by Resendiz last Saturday night by a 12-round split decision. Ultimately, the decision will be up to PBC.

Charlo can always fight Resendiz for his WBA interim title, and use the belt to position himself for a world title shot against the Canelo-Crawford winner. However, he probably doesn’t need to take that risk. That would be a dangerous fight for the 35-year-old Jermall to take. It’s pointless for him to take on the 26-year-old Resendiz when he doesn’t need to.

Charlo’s Big Fight Prospects

Charlo’s name recognition is more than enough. Additionally, Canelo is reportedly reluctant to fight Mexicans. So, that rules out Resendiz getting a title shot against him if he’s still holding the undisputed championship after his fight against Crawford on September 13th.

Some fans are complaining on social media about the World Boxing Association ranking Jermall (34-0, 23 KOs) so high after one fight in the 168-lb division after a two-year layoff. They feel that Charlo, 35, should have fought more than once at 168 before being rocketed to the #2 spot in the WBA’s rankings.

With Jermall’s recent history of taking repeated long 2-year breaks, it doesn’t make sense for him to be given a high ranking yet. However, if Charlo disappears again, he’ll be moved down after a year or two.