Note: The following story includes reports of domestic violence, and may be distressing for some readers.
A few weeks before 2023 came to an end, Jermell Charlo was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault. Per the Daily Mail, Charlo allegedly assaulted a family member.
Bond was posted for Charlo, the former undisputed super welterweight champion, and he was released. Reportedly, he was arrested on December 16. The identity of the victim is unknown at the moment.
Since the news, audio was leaked to social media, allegedly of Charlo discussing putting his hands on someone who appears to be a woman.
Subsequently, ESPN reported that Chyane Westbrook, Charlo's wife, has filed for a restraining order and has requested a divorce.
The 33-year-old Charlo turned pro in 2007. He beat John Jackson in 2016 for the WBC super welterweight title, lost it against Tony Harrison in 2018, and regained the belt in 2019.
He beat Jeison Rosario in 2020 for the WBA and IBF titles and became undisputed champion when he knocked out Brian Castano in May 2022.
Recovering from an injury, Charlo opted not to fight mandatory challenger Tim Tszyu and instead fought Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for the Mexican fighter's status of undisputed super middleweight champion.
Charlo lost against Canelo via unanimous decision in September. He was also stripped of the WBO super welterweight title and his status as undisputed champion during that fight, with Tszyu becoming full-time champion after initially holding interim champion status. Charlo also vacated the IBF belt before a purse bid hearing for a contest against Bakhram Murtazaliev.
It is is not the first time Charlo has been involved in controversy. He was charged in 2018 with felony domestic violence after he allegedly choked a his ex-girlfriend. A jury found him not guilty, resulting in him being acquitted.
Premier Boxing Champions, where Charlo is signed, has not commented on the matter, nor any of the sanctioning organizations Charlo's connected with as champion.
The Sporting News will provide more updates on Charlo as it is released.