WBA Reclassify Junior Middleweight as ‘Champion in Recess’

Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) became the first four-belt undisputed junior middleweight champion when he defeated Brian Castano in the 10th round to unify the division in May 2022 – in a rematch of their previous draw. As reported by Dan Rafael on his Fight Freaks Unite SubStack, Charlo has now been reclassified by the WBA as its “champion in recess.”

Jermell Charlo Reclassified as ‘Champion in Recess’

Charlo Stripped: WBA Plans

Despite becoming the first four-belt undisputed junior middleweight champion when he knocked out Brian Castano in the 10th round of their rematch, Charlo has never defended the undisputed crown. Since the decision from the WBA, he no longer has any of the titles.

“Iron Man” remains the lineal champion but has now been stripped of the WBA crown and reclassified as its “champion in recess.” Rafael confirmed in the report that he was informed – of this decision by WBA president Gilberto Mendoza. The reason by the WBA was identical to the WBC – that Charlo’s last fight was at 168 pounds, and he has failed to make it clear if he will ever fight at 154lbs again.

The WBA strap will now be taken – by the winner of top contenders Israil Madrimov and Magomed Kurbanov, whose fight has now been confirmed for the “Knockout Chaos” card on March 8. The WBA have inserted a condition that the winner of Madrimov-Kurbanov is obligated to face Charlo if the “champion in recess” wants the opportunity.

Jermell Charlo Inactivity

The Houston fighter has been mostly inactive since becoming undisputed champion, with a 16-month layoff that ended when he jumped two divisions to take on undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez for a career-high $10 million payday. The fight was one-sided, with “Canelo” enjoying a unanimous decision victory. Before the fight with Alvarez, Charlo knew he would be stripped of the WBO strap with Tim Tszyu upgraded to full titleholder.

Rafael also explained in his report that Charlo chose to vacate the IBF title just before a November 21 purse bid rather than face the dangerous Bakhram Murtazaliev (21-0, 15 KOs). The Russian fighter – is now scheduled to face Jack Culcay (33-4, 14 KOs) for the vacant belt on April 6 at Stadthalle Falkansee in Falkansee, Germany.