Undefeated former two-division champion Jermall Deandre Charlo is set to face Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight bout on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The matchup takes place at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia, serving as a high-profile feature on the undercard of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu junior middleweight showdown.
Charlo, who holds a perfect record of 34-0 with 23 knockouts, officially enters this contest seeking a world title in a third weight division. The 36-year-old Texan previously held the IBF Light Middleweight title and the WBC Middleweight title. He now believes the 168-pound division offers the most comfortable path for the remainder of his career.
But the move is about more than just comfort on the scales. Charlo has been relatively inactive, fighting only three times since his 2020 victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. This Australian venture represents a strategic reboot intended to establish him as a top-tier contender in one of boxing’s deepest weight classes.
Jermall Charlo targets championship gold at super middleweight
The pursuit of a third world title is the primary motivator for Charlo at this stage of his career. Having vacated his middleweight ties, he is now ranked 4th by the WBA and 6th by the WBC at super middleweight. He frequently mentions that he feels physically “fresh” despite his age, comparing his current state to that of a 30-year-old.
“I feel a lot more comfortable at 168,” Charlo told Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). “I don’t care who they put in front of me. I might be on the smaller side of the super middleweights, but I feel like I have my advantages.” This confidence stems from a belief that the reduced weight cut will preserve his energy and power.
His opponent, Koen Mazoudier, brings a record of 15-4-1 with 6 KOs. Mazoudier is also moving up in weight, having previously campaigned at junior middleweight. For Charlo, a victory is essential to secure the major fights he desires before the end of 2026.
Adjusting the training camp for Ronnie Shields
For this campaign, Charlo has shifted his preparation strategy by handing over the scouting duties entirely to his veteran trainer, Ronnie Shields. In previous years, Charlo was known for studying his own film on opponents, but he is now placing total trust in the coaching staff. This allows the fighter to focus squarely on his physical conditioning and the 168-pound transition.
This mental shift comes as the division undergoes significant movement. Much like how Rolando Romero and other champions have navigated shifting weight classes to find new opportunities, Charlo is looking to capitalize on the momentum of the PBC on Amazon Prime era. The July event will be broadcast via Amazon Prime PPV in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Evaluating potential future opponents at 168 pounds
While Mazoudier is the immediate obstacle, Charlo has already been vocal about his future hit list. He has expressed interest in a clash with Jaime Munguia, the WBA super middleweight champion, and continues to target former champion Caleb Plant. Charlo recently claimed that Plant has been “avoiding” a fight between them for several years now.
He is also keeping an eye on the top of the mountain. Names like Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez remain in his sights, provided he can stay active. Charlo has stated his intention to fight again before the end of the year if he emerges successful in Australia.
Success in this division is often about timing and durability. While some analysts question the impact of his recent inactivity, Crawford’s analysis of veteran longevity suggests that fighters who manage their mileage correctly can remain elite well into their 30s.
A debut proof of concept at super middleweight
This is not Charlo’s first foray into the 168-pound landscape. On May 31, 2025, he made his super middleweight debut in Las Vegas against Thomas LaManna. Charlo won that bout by technical knockout in the 6th round, demonstrating that his power could disrupt opponents at the higher weight.
That victory served as a foundation for this current campaign. Charlo is no longer testing the waters; he is fully committed to the division. He even suggested his ambitions go beyond 168 pounds, stating, “I might even go up to 75 and even try for another division after this one.”
Navigating ring rust and the Australian environment
The trip to Sydney is a rare international appearance for Charlo. Fighting at the Afterpay Arena provides a unique atmosphere, but it also means dealing with the logistical hurdles of travel and climate. However, the Charlo camp views this as a necessary step to reintroduce “The Future” to a global audience.
The lack of consistent rounds remains the biggest external concern. Averaging just over one fight per year since 2020, Charlo must prove that his timing and reflexes haven’t suffered. He remains adamant that his lack of “wars” in the ring has left him with plenty of energy for what he calls the “best quarter” of his career.
If he can bypass the challenge of Mazoudier, the path to a third world title becomes much clearer. The boxing world will be watching to see if the undefeated champion can turn his ambitions into reality or if the deep talent pool at 168 pounds will provide too much resistance. Regardless of the outcome, Charlo is making it clear he has no intention of slowing down. Spending nearly 18 years as a professional has not dampened his appetite for major championships.
