Jermell is a bit more understandable, since he did just unify about a year ago. Not crazy about the fact it'll be over a year before he gets back in the ring, but he was at least planning to get out in January before his injury. Though I do think his injury was legit, I also think he's kinda milking it so he'll only have to fight once this year too. Still, not like fighting once a year is out of the norm for champs these days. Jermall is completely inexcusable though. Apparently his reason for not being out in nearly two years is personal reasons, and y'know what, I get it. We all have our stuff to sort out. So til you sort that **** out and feel like fighting again, drop that belt. It's not like the WBC would make him move to the back of the line; as soon as he was ready he'd be the first guy to get a shot at the belt again. Not defending that title is just holding up an already stagnant as hell division.
And this is one of the hugest problems with boxing. You would think guys that make it to the top would want to get some fights under their belt to have an incredible reign, but nope. I think he's lost interest in boxing. At this point it makes no sense for him to come back as chances are he'll get Buster Douglas'd by the first guy he fights from inactivity. I think the wise decision here is to simply leave the sport altogether. He'll have retired with good money in the bank, no brain damage and an okay career. I mean it beats ending up like most other guys who leave the sport broke, often have injuries and ended with a string of losses before it became obvious to hang up the gloves.
Jermell has entered the Witness Protection Program to get away from the Russian Australian soul taker.
I remember the WBA stripping Manny Pacquiao and his extended ring absence was due largely to COVID. WBA might be the most legit of the sanctioning bodies.
Tim walking the streets of Houston with a crutch, whistling Waltzing Matilda. Calling out the smaller Charlo. Saying he ain't got the heart to meet him on the street or in the ring. The block kids scurry away yelling out "Kazoo coming yo".
It's a shame as they both could be involved in such entertaining fights whilst still in their primes. The Tony Harrison rivalry was brilliant.
