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Jermell vs. Jermall: Which Charlo Brother Is Better?

After making history on Saturday night, RBRBoxing‘s Shelbi Keyes explores which Charlo brother is better–Jermall or Jermell?

Jermell and Jermall Charlo

Jermell vs. Jermall: Which Charlo Brother Is Better?

Junior middleweight twin brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo came into Saturday night’s fights at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hopeful that at the end of the night they would be the first twins to hold world titles in the same division at the same time. History was made as they did so with convincing wins.

Jermell Charlo was competing for a world championship for the first time as he took on John Jackson for the vacant WBC Junior Middleweight title. Jermell was having all sorts of problems with Jackson in the early rounds of the fight. Jackson, who is known to be a brawler, shocked everyone with his superb boxing skills and tight defense.

But in the eighth round, Charlo landed a right hand to Jackson’s left eye. Jackson stopped and turned his back to Charlo as he was stunned. Charlo followed with a left hook that sent Jackson into the ropes. Referee Tony Weeks was forced to stop the bout as Jackson was basically out on his feet.

Jermell held up his end of the bargain, becoming the WBC Junior Middleweight champion in the first fight of the tripleheader. Knowing that his brother had already won, Jermall was pumped to make the second defense of his IBF Junior Middleweight title against ex-champ Austin “No Doubt” Trout.

Jermall claimed a competitive-decision win with the judges scoring the bout 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. Austin Trout was the first southpaw he had faced in his career and his most significant opponent to date.

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So, even though both boxers are undefeated and hold titles in the junior middleweight division, the question remains–which Charlo brother is better?

Though Jermell and Jermall are identical twins and despite so many obvious physical and personality similarities–their boxing styles are actually quite different.

Jermall is the bigger puncher of the two fighters. He has a KO percentage of 75 percent; of his 24 fights he has stopped 18 of his opponents. While Jermall is the more aggressive, relentless fighter, he has less ring experience. Jermall has four less fights, and has fought much fewer rounds–Jermall has fought 105 rounds while Jermell has fought 181 rounds.

Though Jermall has a much higher KO percentage than his twin brother, Jermell has fought stiffer competition to date. Jermall faced his toughest opponent Saturday night and was able to clinch the win after a back-and-forth battle.

Jermell’s most notable wins have come against Gabriel Rosado, Vanes Martirosyan and Joachim Alcine.

Even though I have no doubt in my mind that both fighters are going places and will only continue to get better, right now I believe Jermell is better.

Jermell has proven he has the better overall skill. His defensive skills are extremely impressive and his footwork and head movement help him avoid dangerous situations. Jermell is also a great counter puncher, countering often with his fierce left hook.

Jermell’s ring IQ is outstanding, when he lands a good shot, he steps back and continues to move around the ring–avoiding losing sight of his game plan.

Jermall’s jab is obviously more of a weapon, but Jermell uses his jab effectively to set up his punches. While Jermall’s KO percentage is evidence enough that he is the heavier hitter, Jermell has stopped his last two opponents and claims he has just as much power as his twin brother.

Jermell also seems to be slightly quicker than his brother, which allows him to sneak in and out when throwing combinations.

Both Jermall and Jermell are at the top of junior middleweight division, both are undefeated and both are now champions. While it’s a tough call, I believe Jermell is slightly better than his twin.

Who do you think is better?

Photos by Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

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