Former world champion’s return at risk just days away from fight amid visa struggles

Jermall Charlo’s return fight is in jeopardy after he missed a flight to Australia with his team.

Charlo is set to make his first appearance since beating Thomas LaManna last May.

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He is slated to take on Koen Mouzedier on the undercard of Errol Spence’s comeback fight on away soil against Tim Tszyu in Sydney.

But his return has been plunged into doubt after a chaotic day of travel.

Spence and his coach Derrick James boarded the plane down under, with Charlo set to be on the same flight.

But ‘Hit Man’ has yet to receive his visa to travel amid behind-the-scenes issues according to Fox Sports Australia.

It is just 11 days from the bout and there will be fears from inside Charlo’s camp that he could miss out on his return.

Last minute chaos will not help his preparations, but hope will be that he can get his visa issues sorted to attend fight week.

As of right now, Charlo has still yet to be given permission to fly and is awaiting clearance by authorities.

Should the bout be removed from the card, it would be a big blow, given it is scheduled to act as the chief support on the night.

Charlo is 34 fights unbeaten and is hoping to return to the world level podium and step up his activity.

Spence ready for own comeback against Tszyu

For Spence, Charlo’s teammate, it’s been a far longer period out of the ring.

‘The Truth’ hasn’t fought since his brutal KO defeat at the hands of bitter rival Terence Crawford in their 2023 undisputed clash.

Tszyu represents a game and big name test in his first fight in three years.

But Spence suggests despite turbulence inside and outside of the ring, he is ready to go on away soil and make a big statement.

He said: “I feel mentally sharper right now. This layoff gave me time to reflect a lot and recover.

“I needed this break. Even after my car accident, I never took a break. After the eye injury they told me I couldn’t work out, but I was still walking eight to 10 miles a day trying to keep my weight down.

“I enjoyed this layoff, because it gave me a lot of clarity. I feel rejuvenated.

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“There’s a first time for everything. I’m definitely looking forward to beating him in Australia and disappointing all those people.”