The potential matchup between Jermall Charlo and Demetrius Andrade on the undercard of the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight on December 14th is stirring up conversations among boxing enthusiasts. While not officially confirmed by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), the inclusion of Charlo vs. Andrade could inject some much-needed vibrancy into a pay-per-view event that aims to bridge generational gaps in boxing fandom. However, one must question whether this bout still has the allure it once held, given the respective fighters’ recent trajectories.
Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) and Demetrius Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs) have both seen their careers volatile in recent years, primarily due to inactivity. Their most recent fights occurred nearly a year ago—Andrade suffered a sixth-round stoppage against David Benavidez, while Charlo secured a less-than-stellar victory against Jose Benavidez Jr. These performances have left both fighters appearing ring-rusty, which inevitably raises concerns about their relevance to contemporary boxing fans. Charlo, who once seemed poised to solidify his legacy, has struggled to maintain momentum and find motivation, resulting in a stagnation of his once-promising career.
Adding Charlo vs. Andrade to the Davis vs. Roach card mainly appeals to older boxing fans familiar with the fighters’ storied pasts. For the younger demographic, however, there is a palpable disconnect, as these fighters have not made a significant impact in mainstream media or on major fight cards recently. PBC’s challenge lies in how to market this fight effectively to revive interest among a younger audience that may not be as acquainted with their history. The promotion needs to communicate why this matchup matters, emphasizing the significance of heritage in the sport while spotlighting the combatants’ skills in the ring.
For both fighters, this matchup represents more than just a fight; it could be their final opportunity to reclaim relevance and secure prominent positions in the boxing landscape. A victory for either athlete might lead to lucrative headline fights down the line. That said, their legacies are precariously aligned with their performance in this bout, as another setback could deal a severe blow to their careers. If Andrade’s punch resistance holds up and Charlo can shake off the rust, fans may witness a compelling clash that reignites their once-illustrious paths.
While the boxing world eagerly awaits the impending Davis vs. Roach card, the potential clash between Jermall Charlo and Demetrius Andrade looms like a double-edged sword. It serves as both an opportunity to triumph and a risk of further diminishing the fighters’ legacies. The fight should be a catalyst for discussions not only about these men’s abilities but also their roles in attracting a diverse range of boxing fans. Boxing aficionados hope that, with the right promotion, this pairing could reignite interest in the sport that has been slowly losing its luster in recent times.