Jermell Charlo (30-0-0, 15 KO’s) defends his WBC super welterweight championship against crafty veteran Austin Trout (31-4-0, 17 KO’s) tonight, with the two men squaring off as the co-feature bout alongside Leo Santa Cruz’s rematch with Abner Mares at Staples Center, California.
Trout, known to boxing fans for his standout victory over now-retired Puerto Rican great Miguel Cotto and, like Cotto, produced a more competitive display than expected in his decision loss to Canelo Alvarez.
He is, however, approaching the end of his career, losing two of his last three fights, including a twelve round unanimous decision loss to Jermall Charlo, his upcoming opponent’s elder twin brother.
Trout, most recently, was stopped in the tenth round by the strong, tenacious Jarrett Hurd – now unified WBA and IBF champion following a split-decision victory over the long-reigning Cuban southpaw Erislandy Lara. The Maryland native has expressed a desire to unify once again against Charlo, should Jermell – like his brother – emerge triumphant from his engagement with Trout.
Charlo will undoubtedly be looking to send a statement out to the rest of the division against ‘No Doubt’ with another spectacular, clinical victory; especially following his last outing where he eviscerated then-undefeated southpaw contender Erikson Lubin of Orlanda, Florida, inside the opening round.
Having left venerable trainer Ronnie Shields – who continues to work with his older brother and Erislandy Lara – the Houston native now fights out of Dallas under the guidance of former fighter Derrick James, where he currently trains alongside IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence.
The two fighters by all accounts enjoy highly competitive sparring sessions where they consistently push each other to the limit, and both harbour aspirations of eventually becoming undisputed champions in their respective weight divisions.
It is obvious that Jermell Charlo is determined to not only consolidate his position as the best fighter in his division, but be universally recognised as one of the best fighters in the world.
Extending his uninterrupted four-fight knockout streak under James to five this Saturday would significantly bolster his credentials in this regard and perhaps enable him to do just that.
Article by: Navi Singh
You can follow Navi on Twitter at: @hombre__obscuro