Former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant has thrown down a direct challenge to Jermall Charlo, who currently holds the WBC world title in the middleweight division. 

Plant suffered his first career defeat back in November, when he was stopped in the eleventh round of his high profile super middleweight unification with Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

While Plant tasted defeat, he performed much better than some observers had predicted.

Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) saw action only once in 2021, when he won a tougher than expected twelve round unanimous decision over Juan Macias Montiel.

Both Plant and Charlo are promoted under the Premier Boxing Champions banner.

"You have been indirect Charlo, so I'll be straight forward. We can figure it out before the end of the year. You are easy work," Plant stated on social media to Charlo.

Charlo is mulling the possibility of moving up in weight to compete at 168-pounds. Plant is looking to take part in more big fights in the new year.

Both fighters could find themselves in line for world title opportunities - depending on the future actions of Canelo. Back in November, Canelo requested permission to make a big jump in weight, to cruiserweight, to challenge WBC champion Ilunga Makabu.

But there is no guarantee that Canelo will follow through with that plan. Instead, he may decide to invade the light heavyweight division - and he's already exploring some of the options at 175-pounds.

Should Canelo move up, he may not return to 168 - which in turn would open up all four of his titles -with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO titles being up for grabs.