Jermall Charlo, the previously undefeated middleweight champion, has been stripped of his title by the World Boxing Council following his arrest in Texas on suspicion of drunken driving. The organization’s Board of Governors announced Carlos Adames as the new champion in the division, as Charlo had not defended his title since 2021 and Adames had become interim champion in October 2022.
The 33-year-old Charlo was arrested by police in Pearland, a suburb of Houston, on three misdemeanor charges after his blood-alcohol content was measured at over twice the legal limit. He had struck another vehicle and fled from police, leading to his arrest. The WBC issued a statement expressing their support for Charlo’s mental wellness during this difficult time and indicated that they may rank him in the super middleweight division.
Charlo’s last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. in a non-title bout in November. With a record of 33-0 and 22 knockouts, Charlo’s future in boxing remains uncertain following the WBC’s decision to strip him of his title.