Tag: Miguel Cotto

Austin Trout has a new team, a new network, new weight class and a new lease on his career.

The former junior middleweight titleholder, who faces Rosbel Montoya on Saturday in Ruidoso, New Mexico on the Impact Network, is a perennial contender who has become known for giving spirited efforts but falling just short in his biggest fights.

One nagging problem, he says: Inactivity, which he contends makes it difficult to establish the rhythm necessary to succeed on a high level. He has fought only five times since September 2015, which is a little more than once a year.

Why?

“There’s no real reason for me to be as inactive as I’ve been,” the 34-year-old told Boxing Junkie. “I wasn’t injured, I wasn’t suspended, I had no legal trouble. Nothing like that. I was always in the gym waiting for a call. I guess my handlers just didn’t think it was profitable to keep me busy.

“I do know for this part of my career I can’t sit and wonder, ‘What if?’”

That’s where the new people in his life some in.

Trout (31-5-1, 17 KOs) is a centerpiece in the partnership between the Las Vegas-based promotional firm American Dream Presents and Impact Network, an inspirational outlet that will broadcast 52 live boxing shows over the next two years.

No more sitting around waiting for phone calls. Trout said he hopes fight at least three times and possible more this year as he builds toward another shot at a major title.

“They have so many dates,” he said. “… Almost twice a month. I’ll have the opportunity to pick the dates I want, which is a blessing. My whole life was wrapped around when I was going to fight. I never picked a fight date. I was told, ‘You fight on this date,’ especially the last five years.

“There was never any room to say, ‘No, I don’t like that date,’ when I needed to fight. Now I have a little more control.”

Of course, a big question is this: How will Trout perform in those fights?

Well, if his most-recent fight – a draw against capable Terrell Gausha – is an indiction, he has more to give. And, he said, he feels good. One benefit to fighting infrequently is that you spar your body the wear and tear of a more-regular schedule.

“I feel like I’m a young 34,” he said.

That’s also the opinion of his Trout’s trainer, Rob Garcia, who has been working with veteran trainer Jesse Reid for this fight. Garcia, who first built his name as a strength and conditioning coach, said Trout checks all the physical boxes – speed, balance, reflexes, the ability to anticipate. Trout has it all.

And, just as important, he is in a good place emotionally because of his new opportunities.

“I think he’s re-energized,” Garcia said. “He’s re-motivated, which is where he belongs. At this point, at 34 years old, this will be his time to push, his time to seal his legacy as one of the best fighters of his time.”

And it appears that push will take place at 147 pounds, not 154, his primary weight since he turned pro in 2005.

One reason for the move is obvious: Potential big fights abound at 147, where the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Errol Spence Jr, Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter reside.  And he said a new fitness regimen has changed his body, which has made 147 a natural weight.

Trout is fighting Montoya (17-9-1, 13 KOs) at a catch weight of 151.

“I didn’t think it (making 147) was possible until I changed my diet up,” he said. “I do body scans, which tell you how much fat, water and muscle you have. Looking at the numbers, I have enough to heathfully make 147.

“… I used to walk around at 186. Now I walk around at 170 to 172. I don’t get as big anymore. I can get down to 147 for sure.”

Trout acknowledges that his one-sided decision over Miguel Cotto in 2012 – a career-defining fight that was followed by his loss to Canelo Alvarez – seems like a lifetime ago. Since then, as we said, he has had to endure more than his share of disappointments.

One thing never deserted him, though: Love of the sport, which he says is as strong as ever. Without that, there’s nothing.

“I still enjoy it, I still love it,” he said. “That’s why I’m doing it. The love is strained sometimes. Boxing is an asshole, if you know what I mean. But, yes, I love the game. It’s done so much for me and my family. It’s allowed me to see the world. I’m looking to get a fight in Ireland in April and then come home Albuquerque [New Mexico]. After that we’ll look around and see what we can do.

“… We weren’t supposed to be champion the first time. I didn’t belong to anyone at that time. I just fought and climbed the rankings until no one could deny. Like before, I’m just going to keep fighting.”

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