WBC middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo [32-0] has opened up on his working relationship with Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. and has stated that he hopes to make a ring return towards the end of 2023.
Charlo has not fought since defending his WBC middleweight crown in June of 2021 against Juan Macias Montiel and claiming a points win. Jermall has suffered a turbulent period of his life, predominantly due to mental health issues.
The WBC champion was present at the North American Boxing Federation Convention (NABF) this past weekend in Orlando, Florida. He spoke about his blossoming relationship with Jones, learning about himself and gaining wisdom regarding his boxing career.
“Ronnie Shields just kinda linked me up with Roy and his family,” Charlo told Robert Newman. “We all kicked it at the Spence[-Crawford] fight. It was just one of those things, ‘I’mma come and see you.’ We kicked it. I’m here, enjoying the weather, enjoying the workouts and picking his brain. He’s picking mine. Just to get away from distractions.
“He’s done a lot of difference in the way I think and the way I’m carrying things. It’s step by step, day by day. Roy Jones is mentoring me every step of the way. I’m enjoying it, I’m loving it. I’m feeling stronger feeling back to where I need to be, in a clear head space.”
Charlo admits he is not ‘quite fully there yet’ but is ready to resume his boxing career after having time off to help solve his issues.
“I took some time off to get myself better,” Charlo said. “I can’t say I’m quite fully there yet but I do want to fight before the end of the year. Everything going smooth. I had personal issues. I don’t really have to speak on it, y’all probably already know. Just had a couple of personal issues that I had to battle on my own and getting through them....It’s better than seeing me in mug shots every so often, getting in trouble with this and that. I couldn’t really focus on boxing. I had to take my time and get myself better.”
