After originally being scheduled to meet in July, two-division world champion Jermall Charlo will face Australian brawler Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight matchup on Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The main event that night will be WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defendingagainst unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj on “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN A former world champion at 154 and 160 pounds, Charlo (34-0, 23 KOs) began his quest to become a three-division world champion in the 168-pound division last year, blasting out Thomas LaManna in six rounds. A native of Houston, Charlo first joined the ranks of world champion in 2015 with a knockout of Cornelius Bundrage, and would go on to defend the title three times, including stopping then-undefeated Julian Williams in December 2016. The 36-year old would then begin a middleweight run that saw him earn the WBC championship and add victories over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Matt Korobov and Hugo Centeno Jr. Trained throughout his career by the renowned Ronnie Shields, Charlo’s recent resume also includes a 2023 unanimous decision triumph over Jose Benavidez Jr.
“I’ve been waiting on this moment and I’m ready to get back in there and remind everybody who Jermall Charlo is,” said Charlo. “I was ready to fight in July, and when that didn’t happen, I went right back to the gym and kept working. I know my fans have been waiting to see me and I’m gonna step into the ring hungry, focused and with a lot to prove. Mazoudier is coming to make a name for himself, but he’s standing in the way of where I’m trying to go. October 17, I’m coming to make a statement.”
A native of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia, Mazoudier (16-4-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2018 after an accomplished amateur career, reeling off six consecutive victories. Of the blemishes on 30-year old’s record, two came by narrow majority decisions, with one of his other losses eventually being avenged as he defeated Wade Ryan by unanimous decision in 2022. His other loss came at the hands of undefeated Australian star Nikita Tszyu, younger brother of Tim Tszyu. The 2024 showdown against Tszyu was within two points on two judges’ cards when the bout ended in round nine. Mazoudier has bounced back effectively, winning four-straight fights, including a decision win over Sam Beck on August 26.
“I know I’m the underdog and I don’t care,” said Mazoudier. “I’m coming to take down a legend, I’m not just going there for a payday…I’m going there to win. I’ve never taken a backward step in my life, and I’m sure as hell not starting on October 17th. I’m coming to take Charlo down.”
