Former two-division world champion Jermall Charlo will end a significant stretch of inactivity on Sunday, July 26, when he returns to the ring at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
Jermall Charlo is set to face local favorite Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round contest on the undercard of the Amazon Prime PPV event headlined by Errol Spence Jr. and Tim Tszyu. The American remains undefeated at 34-0 with 23 KOs, but this appearance marks only his third fight since 2021.
The Sydney event, promoted by No Limits, has also secured a 12-round super featherweight clash between Stephen Fulton and Australia’s Liam Wilson. Stephen Fulton, a former unified super bantamweight champion, is entering the bout at a career crossroads as he attempts to rebuild his standing in a new division.
The card is being billed as one of the most substantial boxing events ever staged in Australia, featuring several high-profile American stars competing on international soil.
For Jermall Charlo, this trip is widely viewed as a “tune-up” designed to position him for a World Title opportunity later in 2026. While he still holds prominent world rankings — sitting at WBA #4 and WBC #6 in the 168lb division — his career has been plagued by long layoffs.
Keeping active at the elite level is a challenge many champions face, much like how O’Shaquie Foster calls out Shakur Stevenson to ensure he remains in the conversation for the sport’s biggest prizes.
Weight category discrepancies cloud Jermall Charlo return
There is some conflicting information regarding the official weight class for the bout between Jermall Charlo and Koen Mazoudier. While some initial reports designated the match as a super welterweight contest, other data points to a 168-pound weight limit.
This 168lb limit typically aligns with the super middleweight division, whereas super welterweight is traditionally contested at 154 lbs. The discrepancy suggests the final weight may still be an area of negotiation or specifically tailored to account for Jermall Charlo’s recent inactivity.
Jermall Charlo’s last appearance in the ring also carries conflicting records. Most reports indicate he defeated Thomas LaManna via a fifth-round stoppage in December 2024. However, some secondary sources cite a sixth-round stoppage occurring in May.
Regardless of the exact record, the 36-year-old Houston native will be looking for a definitive performance to erase the “ring rust” accumulated over the last five years of sporadic competition.
Stephen Fulton faces high-stakes test against Liam Wilson
The 12-round clash between Stephen Fulton and Liam Wilson is set at a strict 130lb weight limit. Stephen Fulton, who is looking to rebound from a one-sided unanimous decision loss to O’Shaquie Foster on December 6, cannot afford another setback.
That defeat came during his bid for the WBC interim lightweight title and marked his second loss in his last four outings. At 31, the Philadelphia native needs a victory to remain a major player in the super featherweight landscape.
Liam Wilson represents a dangerous opponent with significant home-ring advantage. Since being stopped by Oscar Valdez in early 2024, Liam Wilson has rebuilt his career with five consecutive wins, including a fourth-round knockout of Rodex Piala in January.
Currently ranked WBO #2 and IBF #10 at 130 lbs, a win over a former unified champion like Stephen Fulton would represent the biggest victory of his professional life. His path shows the same focus seen when Shakur Stevenson dismisses Devin Haney fight rumors to concentrate on his immediate divisional rankings.
The official July 26 fight card in Sydney
Promoters have emphasized that the July 26 date is shaping up to be one of the greatest nights Australian boxing has ever seen. The card features a rare lineup of American world-class talent paired with Australia’s best domestic champions. The confirmed bouts for the event at Qudos Bank Arena (also known as Afterpay Arena) include:
- Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu: Main Event – 12 Rounds
- Stephen Fulton vs. Liam Wilson: Super Featherweight (130lb limit) – 12 Rounds
- Jermall Charlo vs. Koen Mazoudier: Super Welterweight / Super Middleweight (168lb limit) – 10 Rounds
Koen Mazoudier, the 30-year-old Australian super welterweight champion, enters as the clear underdog but remains undeterred. “I know I’m the underdog, everyone knows I’m the underdog,” Koen Mazoudier stated via official releases. “But I don’t care.”
He has won six straight fights since losing to Nikita Tszyu in August 2024 and views Jermall Charlo’s lack of activity as a potential weakness he can exploit in front of his home crowd.
Main event legends and legacy stakes
While the undercard details have drawn international attention, the main event remains the primary draw. Errol Spence Jr. has been vocal about his decision to skip a traditional tune-up fight for his Australian debut. “I don’t want a tune-up. I’ve never done it,” Errol Spence Jr.
remarked, adding that the underdog status in Australia provides him with necessary excitement. His willingness to travel reflects the global nature of modern boxing, where Fury-Joshua bout discussions often pivot based on international venue opportunities.
Tim Tszyu is treating the July 26 fight as a career-defining moment. “Errol Spence Jr. is a legend of this sport,” Tim Tszyu said. “But on July 26 I get to take him out once and for all.”
For Australian boxing, securing three world-caliber American fighters on a single local card is an unprecedented achievement that shifts the focus of the 130, 154, and 168-pound divisions to Sydney for a single night of intensive action. The event will be broadcast globally via Amazon Prime PPV.
