It’s been over a month since Terence Crawford conquered the boxing world by becoming the first three-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era. Since then, he’s been jet-setting across the globe, with images of his victory celebrations and visits to Japan delighting fans and followers. Then, out of nowhere, came a callout from Texas. Former undisputed light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo believes a fight between him and Bud Crawford would be era-defining.

Jermell Charlo and Terence Crawford share a close history. Bud had decisively beaten Charlo’s friend Errol Spence Jr. However, more importantly, both fought Canelo Alvarez, but with entirely different outcomes. That contrast may have prompted Jermall Charlo’s twin brother to issue a new challenge. But still, fans seem unwilling to buy into it. Near-unanimous criticism followed once footage of Charlo’s callout circulated.

Jermell Charlo turns to Terence Crawford to rewrite his story

To set the record straight, it wasn’t an arrogance-fueled summon. For Jermell Charlo, facing Terence Crawford would be an honor. He also acknowledged the 38-year-old’s achievement. He’d beaten Canelo, something Charlo couldn’t do himself. “So being in the ring with Crawford would be amazing,” he said.

What he added next, however, likely raised eyebrows. “I’d give him the best fight of today’s era. I don’t think that there’s no other fight out there in the boxing world for Crawford to make right now,” the Louisiana-born former champion said. According to Charlo, he also makes the best matchup for Boots Ennis.

Two years ago, after climbing two weight divisions, Charlo met Canelo Alvarez in ‘Undisputed vs. Undisputed.’ But when the fight played out, it was nothing like Crawford vs. Canelo. Playing it safe, Charlo seemed more focused on surviving than winning. A lackluster performance saw him yield a unanimous decision to the Mexican star.

With that history, it’s clear, many fans weren’t pleased with Charlo’s latest comments.

Instead of applause, Charlo’s callout meets resistance

First came an unwelcome truth to reckon with: “So the man who moved up and showed he belongs beating Canelo should fight the man who moved up, got dropped, turned track star, got washed vs. Canelo, and has done literally nothing in 2+ years. Right. They really do think fans are dense,” said this fan. It took roughly 16 months for Jermell Charlo to enter the Canelo fight. Only to vanish again for two years. Like him, Crawford also fights only once a year. But the results tell a completely different story.

Another sobering reminder followed: “Why didn’t you fight Terence Crawford when you were an active fighter?” Charlo was a light middleweight champion by the late 2010s and became an undisputed champion in 2021, when Crawford held the welterweight title. A difference of just one weight class. If Charlo could move up two divisions for Canelo, why not meet the Nebraskan at a catchweight?

One fan recalled the ringside moment during the Spence fight: “He already beat you the same night he folded Spence like a beach chair. All you could do was bark like a puppy when he looked at you.” As Crawford pummeled Spence Jr. into submission, he taunted Charlo, saying, “You’re next.” Charlo could have called him out then and there.

For others, the outcome feels predictable. “Charlo would lose badly. He stinks. Bud wipes the floor with him. KOs him by 9,” another fan said. Considering how the Nebraskan switch-hitter schooled Canelo, ending the 35-year-old Charlo’s career wouldn’t seem like a daunting challenge.

One fan, however, offered a more pragmatic take. They said, “Respect to Jermell, former undisputed champ at 154. Let’s see him back in the ring first before we entertain him going in there with some of the best. Not implying he can’t hang; I think he can, but not right now…not fresh off sabbatical.” Sound advice. Given Charlo is still on a break, an immediate matchup against the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter seems foolhardy.

For those reading between the lines, though, the situation might look different.

Jermell Charlo’s brother, Jermall, made a successful comeback late in May this year. He’s now a ranked super middleweight contender with hopes for better opportunities ahead. For Jermell, the path forward is less certain. A fight against a superstar like Terence Crawford could not only add to his legacy but also bring a lucrative payday.

What do you think? Does Jermell Charlo truly have the skills to take on Bud Crawford?