Get ready, boxing fans—this could be the grudge match that shakes the sport in 2026! Jermall Charlo, the fierce middleweight champion, is itching to step back into the ring and settle an old score with Caleb Plant, fueled by a dramatic incident that has simmered for years. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just straightforward competition, or is there more personal drama brewing that could turn a boxing bout into a spectacle? Stick around as we dive into his latest thoughts from an exclusive video chat.
Wil Esco, an assistant editor at Bad Left Hook and a seasoned boxing writer for SB Nation since 2014, brings us this scoop. Jermall Charlo recently sat down for a candid interview with Brian Custer, where he spilled details on his comeback plans and his laser-focused desire to finally clash with Caleb Plant. For those new to the scene, Charlo is a dominant force in boxing, known for his toughness and loyalty to his 'Lions Only' team, while Plant is another skilled fighter with a reputation for stirring things up outside the ropes. The full video is linked at the top, but we've pulled some key quotes to break it down for you.
First off, Charlo shared his timeline for returning to action, keeping it real about his eagerness to stay busy. 'Real soon,' he said. 'Matter of fact, I thought it was going to be before—I thought I was going to get two fights this year. I’ve been asking the squad to try to keep me more active, at least to date, but things got to work themselves out and I think we should be back in January, around January or February.' In simple terms, he's explaining the delays in scheduling—think of it like waiting for the perfect storm of promoters, contracts, and training to align. It's a reminder that even top boxers juggle behind-the-scenes logistics, and Charlo's pushing for more opportunities to sharpen his skills.
Then, he zeroed in on his dream opponent: Caleb Plant, the guy who famously delivered that shocking slap. 'Well right now I want to fight Caleb Plant [who smacked me]. I want to get that fight out the way, I think that’s the only fight right now in my career that makes the most sense. I want to fight Caleb Plant. They calling it a grudge match, I’m just calling it straight boxing. But I want to get that fight in and take care of business.' And this is the part most people miss—Charlo acknowledges Plant's recent loss to Resendiz, which might have thrown a wrench in the momentum for some big showdowns. But for him, it's still a must-do clash, man-to-man in the ring. To put it in perspective, imagine two rivals in any sport—say, soccer players with a heated sideline spat—who finally agree to settle it on the field. Charlo's been grinding since September, training daily to reclaim his peak form, and he's ready to wait for that signed deal.
Of course, the elephant in the room is that infamous slap, which Charlo called 'some bullsh-t.' He painted a vivid picture of the chaos that day: 'Matter of fact, I was walking into the room, we was all headed to the limos—me and Mike Tyson—and we’re talking about the interviews we did but it’s like hella security around us. So it wasn’t like I knew it was going to happen. I didn’t even see him. He like came around the corner plus like the wife I had at the time…she was into an altercation with my brother’s wife and I’m over here trying to get them to [settle down] and then I’m walking in with Mike Tyson and Errol Spence and Terence Crawford is about to weigh-in and then, boom, dude just pulled up and he pulled a quick one, but it didn’t bother me much. At the end of the day I get my lick back. I’m Lions Only, I ain’t worried about it.' For beginners, this refers to a weigh-in event where tensions boiled over—personal dramas between spouses and family members spilled into a physical confrontation, with Plant sneaking in a slap amidst the commotion. Charlo, surrounded by boxing legends like Tyson, Spence, and Crawford, stayed cool, emphasizing his focus on payback in the ring. But here's where it gets controversial: Some might argue that dismissing it as 'no big deal' downplays the potential for real danger or how such incidents could escalate rivalries. Is Charlo's laid-back attitude a sign of true confidence, or is he avoiding admitting how much it stung?
Wrapping up his chat, Charlo hinted at the latest buzz: '…the last thing I’ve heard is that me and Caleb Plant are going to get it on like top of the year.' So, as we look ahead to early 2026, this fight seems poised to happen—if promoters can make it official.
What do you think, readers? Should grudge matches like this be avoided to keep boxing 'pure,' or do they add the drama that fans crave? Do you side with Charlo's chill vibe on the slap, or does it feel like unresolved tension? Drop your opinions in the comments and let's debate!
