Photos: Jermell Charlo Drops, Beats Austin Trout To Retain Title

Staples Center, Los Angeles, California - Jermell Charlo also defended his WBC super welterweight title with a majority decision over veteran Austin Trout at Staples Center, where Santa Cruz and Mares also fought to a decision nearly three years ago.

In the televised co-feature on Showtime, Charlo (31-0) knocked down Trout twice and kept his 154-pound belt in relative comfort.

He won 118-108 and 115-111 on two scorecards, while judge Fernando Villareal curiously had it 113-113.

Charlo knocked down Trout (31-5) in the third with a sharp combination while Trout's legs were splayed. Trout still put on a resourceful performance despite Charlo's apparent advantages in hand speed and athleticism, attempting to outbox Charlo from the outside and slickly avoiding most power exchanges.

Charlo was credited with another knockdown when Trout went to a knee just 10 seconds into the ninth round after a punch from Charlo flew wildly over his head.

Trout, the former WBA 154-pound champ with a victory over Miguel Cotto on his resume, also went the distance with Charlo's twin brother, Jermall, in 2016, also losing a decision.