The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, NV, May 21
TV: Showtime
By Peter Lim
In this intriguing matchup, the still peaking Charlo (23-0, 18 KOs) is the unknown entity while we have already seen the best of Trout (30-2, 17 KOs), what he can and cannot do. Nevertheless, Trout represents the stiffest test to date of Charlo's career and the first southpaw he will face as a professional.
Each fighter has attributes that play well against the other. Charlo, 25, is taller and broader framed and knows how to use his
size while Trout, 30, is a slick stylist adept at utilizing the every square inch of the ring. Trout might have a slight edge in speed but Charlo has superior power and punches with pinpoint accuracy. Trout has fought a better caliber of opponents by far but Charlo has, as his stablemate and confidante, Erislandy Lara, who dropped and soundly defeated Trout in 2013.
Trout's stick-and-move strategy proves problematic for Charlo in the early rounds, but Charlo gradually gets his timing down and neutralizes Trout's speed and rhythm with jolting straight punches from long range. By the midway point in the fight, Charlo is in full control of the action and never let's Trout back into the fight. A straight right-left hook combo drops Trout in the ninth round and Charlo subsequently unloads his entire arsenal on Trout, prompting either the referee or Trout's corner to intervene and spare him from further punishment.
Afterthoughts:
A good litmus test for Charlo against his first southpaw who fought his heart out. Trout's style will always be a troublesome albeit unexciting regardless of who he faces.
Great analogy. Trout is, without question, Charlo's toughest test 'skill wise'. What does Trout have left is what we will find out AND did Charlo become a 'politically appointed' champion by being with the right promoter? If Charlo wins this one impressively he is headed for major paydays. A magnificent matchup. Also, Lim's comments on the fights pretty much have been on target. He does his homework.
ReplyDelete