Sometimes, rolling the dice can work in your favor. In the case of Jermell Charlo, however, it didn’t.

The Houston native always dreamed of facing Canelo Alvarez. But considering they campaigned in two different weight classes, that matchup appeared improbable. Yet, in September 2023, Charlo abandoned his undisputed junior middleweight throne and made the move north to 168.

Ultimately, his pre-fight trash talk meant nothing as Alvarez went on to dominate him to win a lopsided decision. Since then, Charlo has remained in the shadows. He rarely makes public appearances and isn't overly active on social media.

Now, after listening to his naysayers critiques, Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) revealed that he’s been paying attention to it all.

“My two-year layoff was not by choice,” wrote Charlo on his Instagram account. “I been sitting back watching, letting ‘em talk, but now it’s my turn.”

With Charlo hinting at a return, don’t expect him to try his luck at super middleweight again. The 35-year-old has dropped a few clues on his Instagram account recently that he plans on coming back to his old stomping ground.

Things can change in a relatively short amount of time. Several years ago, the likes of Jeison Rosario, Brian Castano, and Tony Harrison were belt holders. Now, the championship landscape is completely different.

Sebastian Fundora currently holds the WBC title, Xander Zayas is in possession of the WBO crown, Bakhram Murtazaliev has a tight grip on the IBF belt, and Terence Crawford has the WBA strap.

The present-day crop of champions are all worthy, but Charlo doesn’t see a single belt holder or contender that’s on his level. Talk, however, is cheap. Charlo knows it. But when given the opportunity, he promises to go out there and prove he’s still the division's top dog.

“I’m back sharper than ever, and I’m coming for everything they thought I lost,” Charlo continued. “I’m him.”