Austin Trout, a former World Boxing Association (WBA) champion in the 154-pound division, carved out an impressive career that spanned nearly two decades. With a professional record of 37 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, Trout’s boxing journey reflects his ability to compete against the elite in the sport. The southpaw’s only defeats came from some of the finest fighters of his time: Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jermall Charlo, Jarrett Hurd, and Jermell Charlo. Notably, Hurd is the only one able to stop Trout, a testament to his resilience and skill in the ring.
Now, at the age of 38, Trout is not content to rest on his laurels or fade quietly into retirement. Instead, he has transitioned into the burgeoning world of bare-knuckle boxing, capturing the BKFC welterweight championship earlier this year. Trout’s fascination with bare-knuckle fighting demonstrates his enduring competitive spirit and willingness to challenge himself in new arenas.
In a recent interview with Talk Sport, Trout made headlines by issuing a bold challenge to all the fighters who have previously bested him. Expressing a desire to face each of them in a bare-knuckle setting, Trout stated, “I want to fight in the bare-knuckle ring against everyone I have lost to.” His list includes high-profile names like Canelo, both Charlo brothers, Lara, and Hurd. This is not merely talk; Trout’s demand for rematches implies a burning desire to settle old scores in a format many consider to be the purest form of combat.
Trout’s confidence in his ability to perform well in bare-knuckle fighting is palpable. He believes that the unique demands of this format could potentially level the playing field against some of his past adversaries. His call-out adds a layer of intrigue to the combat sports landscape, and it certainly raises questions about whether any of his old rivals would take him up on this offer.
Among those Trout called out, Canelo Alvarez stands out as an especially appealing prospect for a rematch. Trout expressed admiration for Canelo’s adaptability, suggesting that the Mexican superstar could thrive in a bare-knuckle environment. He commented on Canelo’s powerful punches and ability to strike without risking hand injuries, which could be advantageous in bare-knuckle bouts. Trout described Alvarez as a “student of the game,” implying that he would be quick to learn and adapt to the unique strategies involved in bare-knuckle fighting.
However, the question remains: could we see Canelo step into a bare-knuckle ring? While it may have seemed unlikely not long ago, the ever-evolving world of combat sports has proven that unexpected matchups can and do happen. Trout’s challenge opens the door for discussions that could captivate fans and fighters alike across various platforms.
As the combat sports landscape continues to diversify, Trout’s pursuit of rematches in bare-knuckle fighting signifies an intriguing trend. With fan interest in such cross-combat matchups surging, Trout’s ambition could usher in a new chapter in his fighting career, as well as inspire others to consider switching formats. Whether a rematch with Canelo, Lara, or any of his past foes materializes remains to be seen, but Trout’s boldness certainly adds a fresh narrative to the ongoing evolution of combat sports. Fans will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on this developing story, eager to see if Trout can secure the rematches he desires.