By Peter Lim

Jermell Charlo (27-0, 12 KOs) might share exactly the same DNA with his twin brother Jermall, but boxing also runs deep in the genetic makeup of John Jackson's family. His father Julian (55-6, 49 KOs) was a two-division titleholder who ranks among the deadliest one-punch knockout artists in the history of the sport. Brother Julius (19-1, 15 KOs) is a contender in the super middleweight division.

Besides the vacant alphabet belt that Charlo and Jackson (20-2, 15 KOs) will be fighting for on tonight's junior middleweight title tripleheader on Showtime, family pride is also at stake.

Charlo attempts to create history by joining his brother as the first twins to hold titles in the same division. Should Jackson emerge victorious, he will be the latest among a short list of boxers to follow in his father's footsteps of winning a world title.

“I’m fighting John Jackson, the son of a legend," Charlo said. "I don’t believe John Jackson will be able to live up to his dad and if his dad ever had to face me, I would have beat him too."

As expected, Jackson took offense to Charlo's comment, but his response was restrained and professional.

“That’s disrespectful," Jackson said. "My dad paid his dues and to talk about my dad like that is kind of disrespectful. It’s not getting to me. Fighters use that to try to get in your head but it’s fine, I’ll let him pay in the ring.’’

The undefeated Charlo has the superior skill set and has fought a far better caliber of opponents. In Jackson's two losses, he was outboxed by Willie Nelson and knocked out cold by Andy Lee. But as his 75 percent knockout rate suggests, he always has a puncher's chance.

See prediction at: http://peterliminator.blogspot.com/2016/05/jermell-charlo-vs-john-jackson.html