27-year-old Las Cruces native, and WBA Super Welterweight Champion of the World,  Austin “no doubt” Trout will take his talents to the big stage of Madison Square Garden on Dec. 1 where he will fight future boxing hall of famer Miguel Cotto.

Trout with a record of 25-0 and 14 wins coming by knock out, takes his unbeaten record and his belt to New York, fighting one of the most respected fighters of the last 10 years.  Cotto comes into the match at a 37-3 record winning 30 matches by knock out.  Although Trout has the belt, Cotto has the recognition and the name so Trout looks at this fight as taking the title and the legendary status.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Trout said. “Cotto is a great fighter and to be on the main stage at Madison Square Garden fighting such a legend is a great opportunity.”

Trout is the present and future of boxing and is at the prime of his career.  He enters this fight with complete confidence and plans on bringing the title back to New Mexico.

On Feb. 5, 2011 Trout won the WBA World Light Middleweight Championship on a unanimous decision against interim champion Rigoberto Alvarez in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico.   Since, he has protected his belt taking down David Alonso Lopez, Frank LoPorto and Delvin Rodriguez.

Trout, born and raised in Las Cruces graduated from Mayfield High School with a 4.0 GPA and attended New Mexico State University for a few semester before boxing became a profession.  He trains here in Las Cruces year around with his team Louie Burke, Shukree Shabazz and Randy Gomez.

“These guys push me to another level,” Trout said.  “Without them I wouldn’t be who I am in the rink today.

Trout prepared for the fight by training a month in Las Cruces and a month in the mountains of Ruidoso.  With Cotto having a strong left hook and tendencies to throw a lot of punches per round, Trout plans to take advantages with his jab and not let Cotto inside.

“I feel like I am as ready as ever for this fight, I know Cotto’s tendencies and weaknesses and plan to take advantage of his every mistake,” Trout said.

One of Trout’s biggest accomplishments was winning the world title but he puts a huge emphasis on how great the opportunity was attending the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece although unfortunately he did not get to compete.

When Trout started his boxing career, Cotto was already a world champion which makes Trout want this win more than anything.  He comes into this match mentally and physically prepared and plans to leave it all in the rink on Dec. 1.

“I couldn’t thank this city enough for all the love and support they have given me throughout my career,” Trout said. “It would be a great honor to keep this belt where it belongs, right here in Las Cruces.

Written by Jeff Neptune