Apparently, fighting is no longer the main component of remaining a world champion. At least that’s the case with Jermall Charlo.

It’s been well over two years since the 33-year-old has defended his WBC middleweight title. Before his extended layoff, Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) has never been known as the most active champion around, fighting just once a year on average since 2020. His once meager schedule, however, would be considered an improvement now.

Although Charlo has remained out of the ring since June of 2021, Mauricio Sulaiman, the sanctioning body's president, has shown no interest in stripping him. Initially, the Houston native was set to take on Maciej Sulecki. Ultimately, those plans were scrapped once it was revealed that Charlo was suffering from a lingering back injury. Physically, Charlo eventually healed from his wounds, but from a mental standpoint, his road to recovery was destined to be a long one.

In an effort to unclog the division, Sulaiman sanctioned Juan Macias Montiel vs. Carlos Adames for the interim crown. The Dominican contender took full advantage of his opportunity, blasting Montiel in the third round of their clash.

While he’s grateful, Adames (23-1, 18 KOs) is hoping to either fight Charlo or simply become elevated. Considering the former appears far-fetched, Adames will have to sit and pray that he’ll become the division’s full WBC champion. Those prayers, according to Sulaiman, are incredibly unlikely as Charlo won’t have any pressure to return to the ring.

“There’s no limit,” said Sulaiman to Broadway Joel when asked if there’s a time limit on when Charlo could eventually be stripped. “We’re in full communication with Adames and Charlo.”

Being in communication with Adames is one thing but coming up with a solution is something else. Although carrying around the interim tag has placated Adames to a certain extent, the 29-year-old is hoping that Charlo’s protracted time on the shelf will either end with the two facing off or with the pugnacious champion being stripped.

More than anything, Adames dreams of taking his career to the next level and participating in some of the biggest fights around. Sulaiman though, assures his secondary titlist that he’ll be given the chance to tango against the rest of the middleweight division’s elite.

“We will support Charlo, we will support Adames. I understand Adames, he’s in good position to get big fights.”