PBC’s “welcome mat” is out for whenever Jermall and Jermell Charlo return

Two mainstays of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) stable have yet to fight in 2024 but want to return to the ring.

Jermall Charlo, the former junior middleweight and middleweight titleholder, last fought in November, returning from a 29-month layoff with a win over Jose Benavidez Jr. He has reportedly struggled with mental health and legal issues outside of the ring.

Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed 154-pound champ, was last seen last September, when he stepped up to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship, losing a wide decision.

“They’ve been chirping that they’re coming back,” said Tim Smith, the vice president of communications at Haymon Sports, speaking to Kurt Emhoff on the Boxing Esq. Podcast. Al Haymon, a longtime boxing adviser, is the founder of Premier Boxing Champions.  “I think the welcome mat is always out when they’re ready. 

“We’re never going to say, ‘No, you can’t get in the ring,’” Smith said. “They’ve got to let us know when they’re ready, and then we’ll make sure that they get back in the ring. They always bring something to the table whenever they’re around, and the fight that everybody wants to see is a grudge match between Jermall and Caleb Plant.”

Plant and Jermall Charlo had an altercation in July 2023, with Jermall supposedly pulling on Plant’s beard, and Plant responded by slapping him.” Charlo kind of apologized for that earlier this year.

“They got a score to settle,” Smith said.

Follow David Greisman on Twitter @FightingWords2. His book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.