By Lou McLaughlin: This past week I had the opportunity to telephone interview the current WBA light middleweight champion Austin “ No Doubt” Trout. Austin lives and trains in his hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The undefeated southpaw champion 24 (KO 14) will be defending his title June 2 against Delvin Rodriguez at the Home Depot Center, Carson, California. Austin won his title in a WBA title eliminator against Rigoberto Alvarez.
Of note he won this title by unanimous decision in Alvarez’s home country of Mexico. ( This title should not be confused with the WBA Super Light Middle Weight title created by the sanctioning body for the Cotto / Margarito bout and at stake against Floyd Mayweather). This will be Austin’s third defense of his title.
A champion inside and outside of the ring. Austin Trout is a man of religious and social convictions. His ring motto “He who kneels before God can stand before any man” reflects his strong religious beliefs. He has created a reach out program at local schools “Club KO”. He speaks to youngsters about relevant issues such as drugs and alcohol and health and fitness. Austin also puts special effort to a topic that has had special media attention in National news media-bullying. As a small child in his hometown where he was one of few African American families before he developed his athletic prowess he experienced the emotional trauma that many kids today experience in the form of bullying. He encourages children to not let the bullying affect their self esteem. Using his own celebrity status as an example that no matter what the kids in classes today say and ridicule you for that you are the master of your own destiny by living up to the potential that you have.
I Thank the Champ for taking the time from his busy schedule to speak with me. The interview as follows:
Q- Before we talk about your professional career. What or who got you into boxing? Who inspired you that you could be successful and make a career of the sport?
A- My Mother got me interested in the sport of boxing. That and Rocky are the two things that really got my interest in boxing
Q- Your first pro fight in 2005 was against Justo Almazan a fighter who although had a losing record had the experience of 64 pro fights and the losses were mostly by decision so he for sure had ring savvy and survival skills and you were debuting. Not only did you knock him out but in looking on Boxingrec.com he never fought again after you. Share your thoughts on being matched so tough for your first pro fight and your thoughts on the resulting knockout in your first pro fight.
A- I knew I was fighting someone who had a lot of fights even though he didn’t have a winning record. It was my interest to get in there. I wanted to move up fast but it actually didn’t wind up being that way. I did end up getting brought up slow later on. I wanted to jump up right away.
Q- How would you best describe your boxing style? And talk to me a bit about you being a southpaw and it’s advantages and is your preparation any different from that of an orthodox fighter?
A- I like to consider myself a boxer-puncher. I may not have a one shot punch. But I don’t know any man that can take three good ones and shrug it off. I have good defense, I have good angles, and I’m not much of a runner. I do like to fight but I do have the athletic ability to make you miss and make you pay
Q- Describe your training routine for a fight, how long a camp is? The daily routine?
A- We try to have an 8 week camp preferably. But 6-8 weeks. We train in sprints and long distance
Q-Anything you want to share specifically on the strategy for your upcoming title defense against Delvin Rodriquez?
A- We are preparing for the best that Delvin can be. Like he‘s preparing for the best Austin Trout that I’m going to bring. I know he has boxing skills and that he likes to bang a bit. We’re making sure that in case he decides to stay outside and use that good jab of his that we’re going to cut off the ring and be aggressive as need be. But if he does decide to bang we already know what to do with that
Q- Prediction?
A- I think it’s going to be a good close fight. It’s going to be a good highly contested fight for the early part of the fight. But I see us pulling away in the later rounds and we’re pulling for a late stoppage
Q- Any thoughts on title unification? Of the current light middleweight champions in the major ranking bodies-Cotto, (who has a date with Floyd Mayweather), Saul Alverez, Cornelius Bundrage, Mudine , who would you most want unification with?
A-I would most like to fight “Canelo” ( Saul Alverez). He has the WBC belt. I think I’m better then him so I should have his belt
Q- It’s in the realm of possibility you could someday be calling out Floyd-your thoughts
A- Definitely, I’m in position for the belt that they’re supposed to be fighting for on May 5th. If everybody played by the rules I should be Floyd’s next fight if he beats Cotto or Cotto’s next fight if he wins.
Q-you’re young-probably will still grow-how long do you think before a move up in
weight?
A-I don’t know I make 154 easy without killing myself. I’ll let my body determine. When it becomes too hard then I’ll move up. I won’t try to kill myself to make weight. Right now I feel strong at this weight I don’t feel weak about making weight. I like where I’m at
Q- You are only 26. Although you have the possibility of many more years in the sport. How long would you want to stay in? And any thoughts on what you’d want to do afterwards?
A- I would like to try my hand at commentating. That would be something very exciting to do. I like working with kids I’m good at that. There’s a bunch of things out there I can do after boxing. But to be honest with you-the only thing I really want to do is just box ! I think I’m going to be one of those guys that will have a hard time deciding to retire !
Q-In between fights what kind of routine to you have to stay in shape? What do you do for down time?
A-I like to stay active. I like to play basketball. Hang out with my kids. I have 3 kids they keep me in shape
Q- Austin, I saw on the on a piece about your “Club KO”. Tell me about what motivated you to do this program, How you got it started, Where you hope to bring it. Any note worthy accomplishments or lives changed that you have personally seen.
A- When I was young I was very small for my age. When I was 15 we were about the only African-Americans in the neighborhood and I heard it all. I got picked on and things like that. It hits a little close to home. I wouldn’t let somebody just bully me. But I did get into a lot of fights because of it. But I try to teach kids non-violent ways to deal with it. We have enough violence in the schools. One way is to not let it become a routine. If you let it become a routine you become used to it being used to living in fear or fear of humiliation and that is no way to live. Though being able to fight is a good way to stop bullying
Q-Last open mike-anything you to say to the fans , media, about anything-your choice- a shout out to anyone?
A-Keep your eyes and ears open because you’re going to be seeing a lot of Austin “No Doubt” Trout. I thank every one of you interviewing guys that has been rocking with me and whether you want me to win or lose you’re still paying attention to me. I thank you for the attention because boxing needs it. So God Bless you all.
Austin is part of major boxing star studded event that includes
Former Light this major Heavyweight World Champion Antonio Tarver vs. Undefeated, World-Rated Cruiserweight Lateef Kayode;
Former Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion Winky Wright vs. Unbeaten, Hard-Hitting Middleweight Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin;
Undefeated WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout vs. Delvin Rodriguez;
And Unbeaten Bantamweight Rising Star Leo Santa Cruz vs. Vusi Malinga.
Ticket Information:
Tickets available through the Home Depot Center Box Office,
www.axs.com,
or call 888-9AXS-TIX (888-929-7849)
Suites available through HDC Premium Seating at 877-604-8777 or premium@homedepotcenter.com.