Jermall Charlo Shocks: Accuses Canelo Alvarez of Still Using PEDs – ‘Do You Think He Has Stopped?

The boxing world is once again engulfed in controversy following Jermall Charlo’s explosive accusations against Canelo Alvarez, accusing the Mexican superstar of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). With tensions already high after Jaime Munguia’s recent positive drug test, Charlo’s claims have thrown fuel onto a fire that has been smoldering around Alvarez’s camp for years.

The Growing Cloud Over Eddy Reynoso’s Camp

The controversy began when Jaime Munguia, who recently trained under Canelo Alvarez’s coach Eddy Reynoso, tested positive for banned substances. This development has rekindled concerns about PED usage among fighters affiliated with Reynoso, with Munguia being only the latest in a series of athletes linked to failed drug tests.

Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, and at least three other fighters who have worked with Reynoso have tested positive for banned substances at various points in their careers. This troubling pattern has led critics to scrutinize the environment and practices within Reynoso’s camp.

Charlo’s Explosive Claims: PEDs Engineered to Beat the System

Speaking to reporters ahead of his upcoming fight against Thomas LaManna, Jermall Charlo didn’t hold back. He raised a grave concern that fighters and their teams have allegedly found ways to manipulate drug testing thresholds.

“They make the drug at the limit of non-responsive,” said Charlo. “This right here is the limit—that’s a banned substance. They’ll make the drug all the way up to the line of the banned substance, but it just didn’t show. So, it’s non-responsive. They’ve been doing that sh*t for years.”

The implication is severe: PED microdosing and biochemical engineering are being used to stay just under the radar of detection systems employed by anti-doping agencies.

Direct Allegations Toward Canelo Alvarez

Charlo went on to directly accuse Canelo Alvarez of long-standing PED usage. His comments referenced Canelo’s 2018 failed drug test for Clenbuterol, which Canelo and his team attributed to contaminated meat from Mexico.

But Charlo dismissed this explanation outright, stating:

“You all think Canelo hasn’t been taking Clenbuterol for a long a** time? You all think he ain’t back on that sht? Or you all think it was just in the steak? I go to Mexico all the time, I’m from Houston, from Texas. I’m in Mexico all the time eating steak. I ain’t ever popped for no sht like that. They’re microdosing it.”

These statements are some of the most direct and incendiary allegations against Canelo Alvarez to date, reigniting a long-standing PED debate that has plagued the boxer’s otherwise stellar career.

A History of Suspicion: Canelo’s 2018 Clenbuterol Scandal

In 2018, Canelo Alvarez tested positive for Clenbuterol, a banned substance often used for weight-cutting and muscle retention. His team quickly blamed contaminated meat, citing a common issue in Mexico, and the WBC accepted the explanation, issuing a relatively light six-month suspension.

However, many—including rival fighters and trainers—have remained skeptical. Charlo’s recent statements echo what others have whispered behind the scenes for years: that Canelo’s success might be chemically aided, and that drug testing loopholes are being exploited.

The Role of Eddy Reynoso: A Coach Under Scrutiny

As head coach Eddy Reynoso continues to oversee a stable of elite fighters, his role in these controversies has come under increasing examination. While no direct evidence has ever implicated Reynoso in administering or encouraging PED use, the pattern of failed tests among his fighters raises legitimate questions.

Reynoso’s gym has produced high-level champions, including Canelo Alvarez, Oscar Valdez, Ryan Garcia, and Jaime Munguia. But with four of these fighters either failing tests or being connected to PED controversies, boxing insiders are asking: Is Reynoso doing enough to ensure a clean environment?

Jeff Mayweather Adds to the Accusations

In a separate development, Jeff Mayweather, uncle to the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr., echoed Charlo’s sentiments. Speaking in an interview, Mayweather stated:

“A lot of opponents don’t even ask Canelo to get tested. They’re afraid that pushing for drug testing might cost them the fight—and with it, their biggest payday.”

This comment adds a new layer to the controversy, suggesting that fighters may be turning a blind eye to potential doping because of the financial rewards tied to fighting a superstar like Canelo.

The Financial Power of Canelo Alvarez

There’s no denying that Canelo Alvarez is one of the most powerful figures in boxing today. From multimillion-dollar purses to massive pay-per-view numbers, Canelo drives the financial engine of modern boxing.

But with that power comes influence. Critics like Jeff Mayweather argue that this influence may deter promoters, fighters, and commissions from enforcing stricter drug testing protocols around Canelo’s fights.

A Larger Issue: PEDs in Boxing

Charlo’s accusations open the door to a larger, more troubling conversation: just how widespread is PED usage in boxing? With the stakes as high as they are, and drug testing agencies often struggling to keep up with ever-evolving designer drugs, some insiders believe that PED usage is more prevalent and sophisticated than fans realize.

“They’re microdosing it,” said Charlo. “They know how to stay under the threshold.”

This type of usage allows fighters to reap the benefits of PEDs without triggering positive results, undermining the integrity of the sport and creating an uneven playing field.

The Risk to Fighter Safety

PED usage in boxing isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s a matter of life and death. Fighters stepping into the ring against an opponent with chemical advantages face greater risks of injury or worse. The integrity of the sport and the safety of athletes must remain paramount.

Charlo’s comments may be controversial, but they also shine a light on a disturbing possibility: that some fighters may be gaining advantages through unethical or illegal means, potentially putting clean athletes in danger.

Boxing’s Testing Systems: Are They Enough?

Anti-doping agencies like VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) have made strides in cleaning up the sport, but according to critics, they are still one step behind.

PEDs are now designed with detection in mind—chemical compounds are created to mirror legal substances or disappear from the body within hours. Microdosing, as Charlo described, allows users to gain performance benefits without detection if timed precisely.

For top-level fights, especially involving superstars like Canelo, stricter testing regimens—including random, year-round testing—may be necessary to restore confidence among fans and fighters alike.

Charlo vs. LaManna: A Statement Fight?

Jermall Charlo’s upcoming bout with Thomas LaManna could serve as more than just a tune-up—it’s shaping up to be a platform for activism. Charlo has always been outspoken, but now he appears willing to challenge the entire system.

Should he win impressively, expect Charlo to continue pressing for accountability in boxing, especially when it comes to PED testing and transparency. His growing platform gives him a voice that resonates far beyond the ring.

Canelo’s Response: Silence or Retaliation?

As of now, Canelo Alvarez and his team have not publicly responded to Charlo’s latest accusations. But given the gravity of the claims, fans and media alike are waiting to see whether the Mexican icon will defend himself or allow the storm to pass in silence.

Canelo’s reputation as a clean fighter, though already marred by the 2018 incident, could take another hit if these accusations gain further traction or if other fighters come forward.

What Comes Next for Boxing?

Charlo’s bold comments have reignited the PED debate in boxing, a conversation that promoters, commissions, and fans can no longer afford to ignore. For the sport to thrive in a new era, clean competition and fighter safety must take precedence.

Whether or not Charlo’s claims are proven, they’ve already accomplished one thing: they’ve forced the boxing world to confront uncomfortable truths and reconsider how the sport handles doping enforcement.

Conclusion: A Storm Brewing in the Sweet Science

Jermall Charlo has thrown down the gauntlet, not only toward Canelo Alvarez but toward a system he believes is fundamentally flawed. His accusations aren’t just personal—they’re systemic, challenging how boxing approaches PED usage, testing protocols, and fighter accountability.

As the boxing community braces for potential fallout, one thing is clear: the conversation around performance-enhancing drugs is far from over. Whether it leads to change or more division, Charlo’s words have added a new chapter to one of boxing’s most enduring controversies.