Jermall Charlo vs. Austin Trout
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
I see this fight being tentative at first, due to both fighters’ opposing stances, and their desire to box, rather than pressure or brawl.
Although Austin Trout can get wild, as shown by his fights against Joey Hernandez and Daniel Dawson.
However, I do see Charlo coming away with the win, due to his jab, his speed, and his overall class as a boxer.
Prediction: Charlo
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Charlo
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
I am not completely sold on Jermall Charlo. The way he manhandled Cornelius Bundrage to win the IBF belt was impressive, but Bundrage wasn’t exactly championship level to begin win. Charlo followed this up by smashing Wilky Campford, which proved nothing.
Now he’s facing Austin Trout, a proven world-class fighter who’s looking to get back on top. Is Charlo good enough to hold off Trout? I don’t believe so.
Trout has undeniable boxing craft under his belt. What makes him so skilled is his timing and punch placement. Trout knows exactly when to counter and what punch to use. Against Miguel Cotto, Trout picked his spots masterfully, picking off Cotto over and over. Trout also excels at unconventional defense. He smothers very well on the inside, while he can turn circles effortlessly from the outside. He’s truly a multi-dimensional fighter.
After a clumsy loss to Erislandy Lara, Trout has taken four recovery bouts, looking more assertive and determined in each one. Trout is hungry, he’s ready to get back on top.
Charlo is a polished boxer puncher with a fair amount of sting to his blows, but he’s too one-dimensional to handle Trout. Besides punching power, Charlo doesn’t offer anything that should repel Trout. Prepare for the rise of the Trout Nation once again.
Prediction: Trout
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Jermall Charlo takes on Austin Trout in the second bout of the evening on Saturday night at The Cosmopolitan. On paper, this fight looks as if it is going to be the most competitive fight of the night.
Trout became well known in the boxing world after upsetting Miguel Cotto in 2012, but he followed the big win with two consecutive losses against Saul Alvarez and Erislandy Lara. Trout is far from a walkover opponent–he also has notable wins over Joey Hernandez, Delvin Rodriguez and Daniel Dawson.
Jermall, the older of the twin Charlo brothers, won the IBF belt when he beat Cornelius “K9” Bundrage last September and defended his title in November against Wilky Campfort. It’s undeniable that Trout has faced stiffer competition up to this point and he will easily be Charlo’s toughest opponent to date.
This fight is undoubtedly going to be action packed and I see this fight being a lot closer than most people think. Charlo is fighting to keep his IBF title and stay undefeated, while Trout is looking to redeem himself in the junior middleweight division.
Both boxers have great jabs and like to fight at a range. Ultimately I think Charlo’s power will be the difference in this fight. I can see him dropping Trout but I would be shocked if he is able to stop him. I am predicting a Charlo win via unanimous decision.
Prediction: Charlo
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
This is a tough task for Charlo as Trout his most dangerous opponent to date. Charlo hasn’t faced or defeated anyone on The Ring’s Middleweight top ten rankings on the way to his Championship. However, Trout is the first on that list that Charlo will defend against. This a huge step up in competition for Jarmall, who is ranked behind his twin brother, Jermell on that same list.
Trout, on the other hand, has a slight edge in experience. He beat Miguel Cotto to become a world titlist before suffering some major setbacks in the following year, dropping back-to-back losses to Canelo and Lara in 2013. However, He’s won four straight since and he’s made some changes in his corner, as he now trains under Barry Hunter out of Headbangers in DC.
That said, I think Charlo has the best shot at winning. Charlo is aggressive, but calculated. He uses his jab to set up his power shots and I think he will be patient enough to control the pace. He also has decent power. If he gets too aggressive with Trout–a southpaw known for punching from unorthodox angles and positions–it could trouble the slightly inexperienced Charlo.
However, if Charlo can keep Trout in front of him, or in the center of the ring, I think he can win a convincing unanimous decision.
Prediction: Charlo
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is the main event for me. I think Jermall Charlo is the better of the twins and he’s got a chance to show what he’s made of against a well-established ex-champion.
I love the more aggressive style that Austin Trout has shown under the tutelage of Barry Hunter. But, being more aggressive can leave Trout open to eating some leather and I think that’s where Trout will wish he was facing the more feather-fisted of the Charlo brothers.
I think Jermall will earn Trout’s respect early, making him tentative and either win by decision or late stoppage.
Prediction: Charlo
