Austin Trout, a seasoned fighter and former WBA champion at 154 pounds, stands out in the boxing landscape due to an impressive 18-year career that culminated in a respectable record of 37 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. The losses Trout suffered came exclusively at the hands of elite competitors, including the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jermall Charlo, Jarrett Hurd, and Jermell Charlo. Notably, Hurd remains the only fighter to have stopped Trout in the ring. This context sets the stage for Trout’s new chapter in bare-knuckle fighting, where he has already made a name for himself as the BKFC welterweight champion.
At 38 years old, Trout is making waves by eyeing rematches with the very fighters who bested him in traditional boxing. This desire for redemption in a different combat sport allows Trout to reinvigorate his legacy while exploring new challenges. Speaking with Talk Sport prior to a notable fight card featuring Canelo Alvarez against Edgar Berlanga, he made a compelling statement: “I want to fight every one of the guys I lost to in the bare-knuckle ring.” This declaration marks a significant shift not just in his fighting strategy but also in his approach to competition itself, as he proposes that a rematch in bare-knuckle could fundamentally alter the dynamics of their previous encounters.
Trout’s enthusiasm for bare-knuckle fighting is palpable. He proposes that the sport, which emphasizes raw power and grit, could level the playing field in ways that traditional boxing may not allow. By shifting the battleground, Trout is not merely looking for revenge; he’s also suggesting that the bare-knuckle format presents an entirely different challenge for his former adversaries. Whether it’s Canelo Alvarez, Charlo, or Lara, Trout believes that these fighters possess the skills necessary to transition into this gritty format, making the prospect of such bouts all the more tantalizing for fans and fighters alike.
Among the fighters Trout has called out, he has expressed particular interest in Canelo Alvarez. Trout has remarked on Canelo’s potential success in bare-knuckle fighting, citing his natural power and boxing acumen. “I think he would do fine; he is a student of the game,” Trout states, suggesting that Canelo’s ability to adapt could enable him to comprehend the nuances of bare-knuckle tactics. The idea of Canelo, a highly accomplished and mainstream boxing superstar, crossing over into the bare-knuckle realm opens up intriguing possibilities for both combat sports fans and the fighters involved.
As the world of combat sports continues to evolve, Trout’s bold challenge underscores a growing trend—the merging of different disciplines to create compelling narratives and fight opportunities. With Trout’s desire for rematches and the allure of bare-knuckle engagements, fans are left wondering if these long-awaited confrontations will ever come to fruition. As combat sports become increasingly unpredictable, the line between disciplines blurs, inviting fans and enthusiasts to engage in exciting speculation about what the future may hold for fighters like Austin Trout and Canelo Alvarez. The excitement lies not just in the fights themselves but in the stories waiting to unfold within the squared circle and beyond.