By Peter Lim

Jermall Charlo (23-0, 18 KOs), over the last three years has seemed as complete a fighter as they come. He shoots his jab like Mark Breland, spears the right cross like Thomas Hearns and utilizes creative angles like Sugar Ray Leonard.

But the fact of the matter is, he has done all that against sub-par opponents, so we really don't know if he's the real deal. He defeated an over-the-hill Cornelius Bundrage for his alphabet belt and defended it against an overmatched Wilky Campfort.

Trout (30-2, 17 KOs), in contrast, is no mystery; we have already seen the best of him against the best fighters in the division. His slick southpaw style was was good enough to outpoint Miguel Cotto in 2012, but he subsequently fell short against Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara.

Not only does Trout represent the sternest test of Charlo's career, he is also be the first southpaw Charlo will face as a pro. The two will square off at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on Showtime tonight.

“Charlo took a chance with this fight. There is no mistake in taking a chance," Trout said. "But will the chance end up in his favor? I hardly doubt it. This won’t be easy. I’m never in easy fights. They’re always great fights."

While Trout's left-handedness and higher-level opposition might prove to be an advantage, Charlo has in his favor, Lara as a stablemate and confidante. Having soundly beaten Trout in 2013, Lara has been advising Charlo on how to capitalize on Trout's weaknesses.

“None of Trout’s experience matters," Charlo said. "I’m a real lion and I’m going to show it. Austin Trout is just a name to me. He beat Cotto, so what? I have work to do. I’m focused on getting the job done."

Read prediction at: http://peterliminator.blogspot.com/2016/05/jermall-charlo-vs-austin-trout.html