Boxing light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo has issued a sensational challenge to pound-for-pound great Canelo Alvarez.

Charlo, 31, has already accomplished some great things during his time in the sport of boxing. Right now he’s preparing to try and become the undisputed king of the light middleweights with the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBF and The Ring titles being on the line in his May 14 rematch against Brian Castano. 

In their inaugural showdown last summer, the two men fought to an entertaining split draw (​​117-111, 114-114, 113-114) to ensure they’d meet again in a rematch.

The pair came in at 153 pounds but as per Charlo’s sentiments during a recent appearance on The Last Stand Podcast, he’d be more than willing to jump up to 158 if it meant squaring off with Canelo Alvarez.

“I sure wish I could be the guy to fight Canelo,” Charlo said.

“Canelo, come to 158, I can easily make 158.

“I’ll put a boxing lesson on him, just as great as Floyd Mayweather did. It’s time they put some respect on my name in the boxing world.”

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What’s next for Canelo Alvarez?

In many ways, Canelo is seen as the ‘final boss’ for the majority of fighters who hover around the weight classes he’s competed in. With just one loss on his record, to Floyd Mayweather, the Mexican stands tall as one of the best to ever do it - and at the very least, the best of his generation.

However, while he’s had a lot of good times at middleweight, he may be hesitant to go back down there.

If anything he’s heading in the opposite direction with his upcoming clash against Dmitry Bivol taking place at 175lbs. The WBA (Super) light heavyweight title will be on the line on May 7, just seven days prior to when Charlo takes part in what could be the defining fight of his career.

There’s every chance this was an off the cuff comment that’ll fade into obscurity in the weeks to come. At the same time, the ambition of Charlo is something that’s been seen across the sport since Canelo hit that next level of superstardom.