Jermall Charlo drinks coffee in his DeLorean but never drives it

Jermall Charlo spoke to FanSided ahead of his Sept. 26 title defense against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. He is focused on boxing and more. 

Most virtual boxing press conferences are pretty mundane. There might be a few quotes or a heated interaction, but that’s it. In Jermall Charlo’s case, there’s also a DeLorean.

During the Zoom press conference for his Sept. 26 WBC middleweight title defense against Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) addressed the media from his living room, which also has a DeLorean parked in it.

Charlo’s nickname is “The Future of Boxing,” so the DeLorean is symbolic. It’s also just plain cool. He told FanSided during an exclusive interview the moment that he decided to decorate his house with a DeLorean.

“I was sitting way up there on my high horse one day, and I was like, I’m the future of boxing,” said Charlo. “I always loved the DeLorean anyways. I always loved Back to the Future, so I wanted to take them back to the future.

“Actually, it’s a great investment because the car gains value every year. I always just wanted that car parked in my house, so I made it happen.”

Charlo’s DeLorean is driveable, but it’s solely a decorative piece of art. If you wondered if Charlo ever sits in it for fun, he gave FanSided an honest answer.

“I actually do,” admitted Charlo. “I drink coffee in it. I actually make myself feel like I’m in it, but I don’t drive it. Sometimes I do that.”

There are many sides to Charlo. There’s the funny side that pretends he’s cruising 88 mph back in times, but he’s very serious about boxing and the social turmoil transpiring in the U.S.

Jermall Charlo has Sergiy Derevyanchenko, but he’s also concerned with the wellbeing of others during uncertain and troubling times.

During the press conference, Charlo held up a sign that read, “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.”

Charlo is using his platform to address police brutality. He wants to make a difference and is trying to bring awareness to the mounting social and racial inequalities in the U.S.

“I’m taking a very strong stance with my people,” said Charlo. “We need justice for everyone. The police need to be retaught. This president needs to be wiped out.”

Charlo added, “It gets real bad when police brutality is climbing. The rates is climbing.”

When asked how he wants to inspire people to make a change, Charlo responded, “For all the people who feel the way I do about justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, and so many more, I think they should just get out and vote. If they vote, they can make themselves a better home. You just got to get out and vote. Don’t just walk the streets and protest and make crazy scenes and burn down buildings.

“You got to get out and vote and go out and make a difference.”

The same desire that burns in Charlo’s heart to change the world around him for the better also applies to his passion in the ring. He’s on a quest to prove that he’s the best middleweight in the world and feels that he’s got doubters to silence. Charlo uses criticism as additional kindling to his fire.

“I get comments like ‘Jermall Charlo, he’s cocky. Is he that good?’ People always say things they don’t know,” said Charlo.

Charlo insists that those comments don’t make him mad. He blocks them out to a degree, but Charlo wants his performance in the ring to serve as his rebuttal.

“They gonna doubt me until I prove them wrong,” said Charlo. “I only got 30 fights, so I’m constantly proving them wrong right now at this moment.”

Impressively defeating Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) would go a long way in silencing naysayers. Derevyanchenko’s two losses were close decisions against Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin. FanSided thought Derevyanchenko did enough to earn the decision against Golovkin in October of 2019.

Charlo’s words and intense demeanor indicate that he’s prepared to go to war with Derevyanchenko. His punches thudded during his Monday, Sept. 14 media workout, and his combinations looked on point.

Charlo wants to make a statement against Derevyanchenko, but he sees that as just the beginning.

“Hopefully, I can get another fight by the end of this year, maybe fight in December,” declared Charlo. “I’m gonna come right back. I’m gonna come back with fireworks for y’all.

“I’m ready to take over. This is part of my takeover.”

Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko takes place on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. ET on Showtime pay-per-view. His twin brother Jermell Charlo meets Jeison Rosario as part of the unique doubleheader of fight cards.