As boxing fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. bout on December 14, the rumored addition of Jermall Charlo and Demetrius Andrade as a supporting fight on the card has the potential to ignite interest among a dedicated yet older fanbase. Although Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) has yet to formally announce this fight, its inclusion would undoubtedly serve to enhance the PPV event at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Both fighters have storied careers, and their matchup—if realized—could bring a significant level of excitement reminiscent of their prime years in the ring.
Legacy vs. Inaction
The narrative around Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) and Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs) is marred by prolonged inactivity, with each fighter having struggled to maintain momentum in the competitive realm of boxing. Their last competitive outings—11 months ago—featured Andrade being halted in the sixth round against David Benavidez and Charlo achieving a basic unanimous decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. These diminished performances could lead one to ponder whether either fighter is still capable of delivering the high-caliber boxing that fans expect from them.
The reality is that many younger boxing fans may not have any connection or knowledge of Charlo and Andrade, as both have fallen out of the limelight for quite some time. This lack of recognition raises questions about the strategic motivation behind PBC’s decision to place them on the same card as Davis and Roach. While older fans may look forward to witnessing a potential clash back in the ring, the younger demographic might need more compelling storytelling to spark their interest.
Momentum and Motivation: A Question of Readiness
Charlo, once viewed as a promising two-division world champion, has seen his career stall following a decisive win over Juan Macias Montiel in June 2021. Since then, his boxing prowess has been clouded by uncertainty and dwindling motivation as he grappled with personal issues outside the ring. The same can be said for Andrade, a former Olympian whose punch resistance was called into question following his loss to Benavidez. These factors lead to speculation about whether either fighter can muster the ability to deliver an electrifying performance that once characterized their boxing styles.
Both Charlo and Andrade need to regain a sense of urgency to revitalize their careers. Notably, their previous achievements have taken a backseat to their current challenges, leaving fans to wonder if they can come together for a compelling fight for the ages. Without a spectacular showing, PBC runs the risk of further alienating younger viewers—highlighting the importance of both fighters to command interest and engagement from fans across generations.
The possible match-up between Jermall Charlo and Demetrius Andrade has the potential to appeal to an older audience looking for nostalgic bouts, yet it struggles to draw attention from the youth who shape today’s boxing culture. As both fighters navigate through inactivity and fading recognition, it is crucial for them to find motivation and seize opportunities to refine their legacies in an ever-evolving sport. The December 14 card, if bolstered by the addition of Charlo and Andrade, might just be the catalyst needed to reignite interest and excitement in the boxing world once more.