Despite being stopped for the first time in his career back in October, the former 154-pound world champion says he's got another championship run in him.
Austin Trout admits he fought poorly in his loss to Jarrett Hurd in October, but is ready to rebound in front of hometown fans this Saturday night in El Paso, Texas. (Tom Casino/SHOWTIME)
Austin Trout’s career has the earmarks of a carnival Ferris wheel. It’s gone around and around with its share of ups and downs. He earned a career-defining victory over Miguel Cotto in 2012, but then lost other championship matches to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd.
Following his 10th-round stoppage loss to Hurd in October, Trout’s eyes were badly swollen and the outcome of the fight left some thinking his best days were behind him.
But just 35 days after being stopped for the only time in his career, Trout was at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas serving as a ringside analyst for Julian Williams’ unanimous decision over Ishe Smith.
The 32-year-old Trout made it clear that he wasn’t going to retire. He talked of regaining his championship form and possibly facing Williams in the future.
“I didn’t want to go into seclusion. It was good therapy. I still have title aspirations,” said Trout, a Las Cruces, New Mexico, native. “If I’m able to stay busy, I guarantee you I’ll absolutely beat every one of those guys who have wins over me.”
On Saturday night, Trout (30-4, 17 KO) will climb back in the ring at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas in a 157-pound bout against Colombian journeyman Juan De Angel (20-7-1, 18 KOs). The fight is part of the Victor Ortiz-Devon Alexander card televised on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Shaking off the effects of the loss will be one of the keys to victory for Trout.
“I fought poorly against Hurd from a lot of ring rust [from a 17-month ring absence]. I am where I am, but you have to be a superior fighter to get past me, which is not to say I’m a gatekeeper,” he said.
“ I don’t have to prove anything to anybody, but it’s been far too long since I’ve had a win. People feel I have a few chinks in my armor, but you had better not sleep on me. ” Former Super Welterweight World Campion Austin Trout
Trout is 3-0, all knockouts, in El Paso. His last fight there was a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Lo Porto in 2011—the second title defense of the154-pound title he won against Canelo Alvarez’s older brother, Rigoburto, by unanimous decision.
“I’ve forgotten what it feels like to fight in front of a home crowd, which I haven’t done in six years,” said Trout of, fighting less than an hour’s drive away from Las Cruces. “The fans are excited, and I’m anxious to get right back at it and knock the rust off.”
De Angel, 30, has lost twice since winning by sixth-round KO in December 2016 over Jose Miguel Rodriguez Berrio.
“De Angel’s got power in both hands, a good jab and he’s coming down in weight to fight me, but camp was serious and we’re ready to box him,” Trout said.
“I don’t have to prove anything to anybody, but it’s been far too long since I’ve had a win. People feel I have a few chinks in my armor, but you had better not sleep on me. We’re ready to go toe-to-toe if I have to.”
Win or lose Saturday night, Trout, a father of three children, does have his eye on a future gig outside of the ring.
“I’d like to continue color commentating, I’m training some clients, I own real estate and invested my money well, but I’m not ready to retire. I still love boxing,” he said.
“I’m not in love with it as much as I used to be, but I still have a lot left to do in this game. Once the love is all gone, then it will be time to walk away.”
For a closer look at Austin Trout, check out his fighter page.
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