Jermall Charlo posted a video clip of him hitting the bag, preparing for his latest tune-up against journeyman Thomas LaManna on May 31st on PBC on Prime Video from the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. Charlo looks in good shape in his training clip.
The Soft Life
It remains to be seen if he still possesses any of the talent he once had. He’s not been living the life of a dedicated boxer since 2021. He’s been enjoying the fruits a little too much, living the soft life of a semi-retired millionaire, and not getting back to work.
It’s essential that Jermall not only defeat LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs) next month, but look impressive in doing so. LaManna was knocked out in the first round by Erislandy Lara in 2021. No one is comparing Jermall with the far more talented Cuban Lara, but he still should have enough ability to make quick work of this guy if he’s to be taken seriously.
If Charlo defeats LaManna, he could face Caleb Plant or Edgar Berlanga next. Both fighters are eager to fight him, wanting to capitalize on his name recognition among older, hardcore boxing fans who still remember him as one of the top fighters at 154 and 160.
There’s good money for Jermall to make fighting either of them. If he gets past those guys, there’s the possibility that Canelo Alvarez will give him a shot. However, that would also depend on Jermall not disappearing for another 17 to 29 months like he’s done in the last four years.
Another Layoff
Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) had already taken a warm-up fight 16 months ago, defeating Jose Benavidez Jr. by a 10-round unanimous decision in his comeback fight on November 25, 2023.
He’d been out of the ring for 29 months going into that fight. Now, Charlo has been MIA, which is a red flag that he no longer has the hunger that he once had after banking millions. Jermall has reportedly been inactive due to injuries and personal problems.
He’ll be turning 35 on May 19th, and like many older, inactive fighters, they often begin to break down at that age. That’s old for a fighter, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Jermall loses to the tomato can LaManna on May 31st. You can only go to the well so many times before it runs dry. Jermall’s age and inactivity may have taken the best out of him, leaving him vulnerable to the veteran.
Last Updated on 04/23/2025
