The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has issued a directive: Jermell Charlo must defend his title against the formidable Bakhram Murtazaliev. While Charlo has faced top-tier competitors before, his recent outing against Canelo Alvarez wasn’t his finest hour, making fans skeptical about how he'd fare against a powerhouse like Murtazaliev.
Murtazaliev’s record, albeit without major names, is imposing, especially when recalling Charlo’s close calls against the likes of Tony Harrison and Brian Castano. This situation begs the question: will Charlo risk his title or vacate it to avoid a high-stakes showdown?
Charlo’s strategy post-Canelo was clear - he aimed for blockbuster fights, with Terence Crawford topping his wish list. However, after his lackluster performance against Canelo, luring Crawford might be a tall order. Crawford's ambitions lie in bouts that would solidify his legacy, and a fight against a potentially declining Charlo might not fit the bill.
Shawn Porter’s observations further underline Charlo’s current predicament. He noted Charlo’s survivalist approach against Canelo and other opponents, hinting at a defensive rather than dominant strategy. With Murtazaliev waiting in the wings and showing less patience, Charlo’s next move is crucial. The boxing world is watching intently, eager to see which path Charlo will choose at this pivotal juncture.
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