It’s probably the biggest test of Jermell Charlo‘s professional life. His audacious move shocked the boxing world. Going from Light Middleweight to Super Middleweight, challenging the reigning undisputed champion, Canelo Alvarez, and putting his undisputed throne at risk all require courage. And the ‘Iron Man’ has proved that he has oodles of it. Enormous credit should go to his father, who took him and his brother at an early age to learn boxing. In all likelihood, it was a choice he would never come to regret.
33-year-old Jermell Charlo and his twin brother Jermall were born on May 19, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana. They had an older sister as well. The brothers completed their schooling at Alief Hastings High School in Houston, Texas. Initially, like most kids their age, they also exhibited an interest in sports such as football and basketball. But in the end, it was boxing that won. Jermall and Jermell Charlo soon started visiting boxing gyms, following in their father’s footsteps.
Who is Jermell Charlo and Jermall Charlo’s father, Kevin Charlo?
Not many details highlighting the record of Kevin Charlo remain available. However, most know that he has some experience inside the squared circle. Nevertheless, that was sufficient for him to spot his two sons’s talent. The twins remained unfazed despite encountering numerous challenges. There was never any doubt in Charlo Senior’s mind that they could overcome any obstacle and do anything they set their mind to.
Last year, days before Jermell Charlo created history when he became the undisputed Light Middleweight champion, Fight Hype caught up with the father-son duo at the gym. The ‘Iron Man’ paid rich tributes to his father and said, “We dreamed about this when we were younger…thank god for pops. He put us in the gym. He forced us to go…whooped our a** when we didn’t win. Yeah, he was; it was a lot. It was bad, but you know I’m glad. I’m happy to see him pull up on me all the way out here in L.A., straight from Texas.”
One reporter asked Kevin Charlo how he felt about being the father of two champion brothers. Charlo senior responded that it was satisfying to see whatever he had told his son over the years come true. It was precisely what they always needed. Since everything started falling into place for them, it was nothing short of a ‘dream come true’ for him and the family.
Fulfillment of a father’s hopes and wishes
The reporter asked, “You were a fighter in life. What led you to punch your boys in the gym?” Kevin Charlo replied, “Well, uh, I fought at one time in my lifetime too, and as far as boxing wise, I’ve always, uh, made sure that they was [going to] do what I didn’t do, uh, they was [going to] accomplish things that I was unable to accomplish, and they’ve proven that they’ve done that.”
Then he went on to describe how, with limited means and resources, they started to hone their skills. He described himself as a boxer more inclined to techniques. Hence, he focused on the fundamentals -‘ sticking with the jab, sticking with the straight right, and proper placement of feet.’ The discussion is sufficient to infer how much Kevin Charlo has been with his kids’ career and growth.
Reportedly, both Jermell and Jermall Charlo frequented the Savannah Boxing Club. Trainer Ronnie Shields trained world-class boxers such as Raul Marquez, Vernon Forrest, and Evander Holyfield there. The twins soon earned everyone’s respect with dedication and perseverance, besides impressing everyone with their natural abilities. It didn’t take long for them to make a name as amateurs—the rest, as they say, is history.
Irrespective of a victory or defeat in tomorrow’s match, who would you like to see going against Jermell Charlo in the next bout? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.
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