Why is Jermall Charlo’s WBC middleweight title not on the line against Jose Benavidez Jr? Champion returns but won’t defend belt

Jermall Charlo will make his return to boxing as he takes on Jose Benavidez Jr. in Las Vegas on Saturday evening.

The WBC middleweight champion has not taken to the ring in over two years as he continued to battle mental health issues. 

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But he makes his long-awaited comeback this weekend as part of the David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade card. 

However, despite holding the middleweight title, Charlo will not have his belt on the line for the fight.

talkSPORT.com takes a look at why…

Why is Charlo's WBC middleweight title not on the line? 

Charlo’s title is not on the line as the fight is taking place three pounds above the middleweight limit. 

The 33-year-old is the 160-pound champion but the contract weight for this bout is set at 163 pounds.

This was a decision that left Benavidez Jr. fuming as he said: “It’s at 163 because this guy had to make up excuses that he couldn’t make the weight. 

“So, he was going through some hard times, I guess, so he can’t make the weight. So, we have to go at ’63. So, you ask him about that. 

“The boy’s not disciplined. The boy’s not disciplined, so it is what it is.”

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However, Charlo has claimed he could still get down to 160 pounds but he described this fight as a ‘stepping stone’ towards a title fight. 

“It’s got nothing to do with weight or nothing like that,” he said. 

“Man, I’m a professional. You know, coming back, I’m about to fight this little stepping stone right here. 

“And then whenever I finish stepping on this stone, then I guess we can put the title on the line or whatever. 

“If not, I’mma go up to ’68. You know what I’m saying? I ain’t worried about the trophies. 

“I’m still the champ. You know what I’m saying? No matter what.”