Jose Benavidez Sr. Remains Brutally Honest on Why Jermall Charlo Shouldn’t Fight Canelo Alvarez or David Benavidez Anytime Soon

Can Jermall Charlo start from where he left off 2 years ago? Jose Benavidez Sr. thinks not. While the older Charlo twin hopes to reignite the glories of his boxing career, the coveted combat trainer has outlined why right now is not the apt time for the fighter to take on names like Canelo Álvarez or even his son, David Benavidez. 

After his 2021 unanimous decision victory over Juan Macias Montiel, Charlo’s boxing gloves did not echo in boxing arenas. The sabbatical came after he suffered a mental health crisis. WBC prez, Mauricio Sulaiman, let the fighter hold on to his WBC middleweight title, highlighting that the mental well-being of a fighter takes priority. More than 2 years later, Charlo entered the ring again in November last year, against Senior Benavidez’s older son, and his namesake. In a stellar show of power, ‘Hitman’ asserted his dominance by defeating ‘El Phoenix’ via UD. Despite such a glorious comeback, the Benavidez family patriarch remains unsure if Charlo can pick up the slacks from where he once left off.

Not 100 percent ready, says Senior Benavidez

In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, Benavidez was asked if the 33-year-old Texan fighter was ready to take on Canelo. The trainer responded, “I don’t think he’s upto there, right now. You know, he had some problems, he came back, he beat my son fair and square, but I don’t think he’s at the level right now to compete with Canelo or David.”

Charlo was meant to fight the Jalisco fighter last year. However, a few months ahead of its scheduled date, he pulled out of the fight citing personal reasons. His younger twin, Jermell Charlo, rose to the occasion, went up two weights, and challenged Canelo. Alvarez cruised to victory, defending his titles successfully via UD.

Now that Jermall Charlo is back in the sport, fans believe his clash against Canelo needs to happen. But Benavidez  Sr. suggests not at the moment. So, then when? “Maybe another fight too, you know, little by little, he’s coming back, he’s a great champion, a big fan of him, but let’s be honest, I don’t think he’s 100 percent ready,” he noted.

If he is not ready according to Jose Benavidez Sr., how come he successfully defeated Jose Benavidez Jr.? The father has a theory.

How Jermall Charlo defeated Jose Benavidez Jr.

When asked why his twice-defeated son recorded another loss in his fight against Jermall Charlo, Senior cited weight issues, which many critics concur with. At the weigh-ins before the clash, Charlo had come in 3.4 pounds heavier than the 163-pound limit.

Also Read: “He’ll Do Anything to Stay Away”: Jose Benavidez Sr. Calls Out “Scared” Canelo Alvarez for Avoiding David Benavidez Fight, Demands Sanctioning Bodies to Be Fair

Elucidating on the weight discrepancy, Senior noted to Fight Hub TV, “Well, not to make any excuses but we were supposed to fight at 160, then they came up and said they wanted to fight at 165. We agreed to 163, and then when we went there, this guy almost fought at 168.”

Benavidez Sr. suggested his son not take the fight. However, it went ahead, and Charlo marked his comeback with poise. Will he be able to transform this win into a streak? Do you think Jermall Charlo is ready to square off against Canelo Álvarez? Let us know in the comments section below.

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