No stranger to taking his act on the road, this will be the most difficult undertaking of Trout’s career as he steps up to face an elite level fighter for the first time in non other than Cotto’s home away from home, often referred to as the “Mecca of Boxing,” where Miguel is a fixture of sell-out proportions.
And whereas not long ago it was a difficult task to pick a frontrunner between these two prizefighters due to the fact that Austin Trout is an articulately poised young southpaw who in the ring is as slickly skilled as they come, the scales in my opinion have since tilted quite markedly in the direction of a Cotto victory.
The primary reason for this predicted outcome exists in the form of Cuban born Pedro Diaz, Miguel’s recently acquired trainer. Skeptical at first in that Diaz would implement a laboratory type approach to training the Puerto Rican fighter, this Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences has now garnered my attention.
Perhaps thinking Cotto was suffering from residual effects to be headed the way of a shot looking Kermit Cintron, both Miguel and Kermit being victims of the now infamous Antonio Margacheato, a rejuvenated looking Cotto would handily defeat his nemesis in their rematch, while subsequently continuing on under Diaz’ tutelage the Puerto Rican would perform better than ever most recently in a losing bid against Floyd Mayweather Jr., considered by many simply boxing’s best.
In that particular contest where it appeared Miguel Angel came up a bit short, he certainly wasn’t given his just due in regards to the scoring. For not only would Cotto put his punches together in a way he hasn’t for quite some time to force the fight with Floyd, but he would also in the process penetrate “Money” Mayweather’s vaunted defense with excellent body work which would open the pound-for-pound fighter to numerous never seen before connects upstairs.
Once in range, this type of attack bodes well for Cotto here in facing the elusive and much lengthier Trout who makes a habit of frustrating opponents with his style. However, as much I favor Cotto in this contest make no mistake, Austin Trout after a few early round jitters will settle in to make a go of it, rising to the occasion to turn in his best performance as a professional. The question of course remains, will Austin’s best be enough?
In that Trout has not only come by way of and defended his title against less than stellar or recognizable opposition, to include facing the likes of Rigoberto Alvarez, “Canelo’s” older brother, David Lopez, Frank LoPorto, and Delvin Rodriguez, but additionally he’s been a much avoided champion if not thee most avoided, of which these points in tandem will put Trout at a certain disadvantage. The usually conservative champion has simply yet to face the type of opponent that would have prepared him sufficiently for what he’s about to encounter in the ring against Miguel Cotto.
To delve a little deeper, Austin’s latest and most identifiable opponent, Delvin Rodriguez, would allow “No Doubt” to pick and choose his spots to work in, something that will not happen against the Puerto Rican. Not only will Cotto push the envelope in a way that the defending champion is not accustomed to, therefore getting Austin out of his comfort zone, but Cotto will throw a much wider variety of punches as compared to that of Rodriguez, or any other of Trout’s previous opponents for that matter.
And despite the fact that Cotto in the past has proven to one extent or another vulnerable to the southpaw right hook, and we’re talking about DeMarcus Corely and Manny Pacquiao, not to mention the orthodox Mayweather Jr. repeatedly looping a right hand around Miguel’s guard, I would surmise that by now the challenger, a converted southpaw, and trainer Pedro Diaz have gotten together to curb this seeming liability as regards facing Trout.
Miguel Angel should in fact be able to make necessary adjustments as the bout progresses, one such adjustment being to neutralize the jab of the lengthier champion, a blow Austin plans to make extensive use of. “I’m going to have to keep him away from me and there’s no better measuring stick than the jab,” stated Trout. “And I have a pretty good jab so using the jab is definitely going to be a key.”
As to how the action will unfold, all in all I liken this match up to Abner Mares versus Anselmo Moreno. The slick Panamanian southpaw Moreno for all his elusive capabilities simply wasn’t prepared for the pressure attack foisted upon him by an ultra-determined Mares, who over the course of time would wear down to eventually overwhelm Moreno by painting him with combinations up and down.
This is the exact scenario I envision taking place Saturday night. For despite the fact that Austin Trout will no doubt put his best foot forward, a fancy-dan type fighter who’s toiled in virtual obscurity until most recently, he will in all likelihood not respond adequately enough to the work rate a reinvigorated high altitude trained Miguel Cotto is likely to impose.
“Training in Big Bear was great and we accomplished all the goals that [trainer] Pedro [Diaz] had for us,” commented Cotto. I’ve had one kind of good preparation for this Saturday and I’m going to be the whole night on the fight until I beat Austin Trout. The Miguel Cotto that you are going to see on Saturday is probably the best Cotto you’ve ever seen.”
An intriguing bout for sure so that kudos should be given to Cotto for facing the much avoided Trout, a fighter “Canelo” has managed to circumvent to this day, with just as much if not more credit going to Trout for facing such an accomplished opponent on what’s considered to be his home-turf.
And as much as Trout is enamored by the prospect of registering a big time victory on the grandest stage of them all, a difficult task lay ahead in that the Las Cruces fighter perhaps beyond a most impressive performance may have to register a knockdown or two to get a favorable decision as the visiting fighter. Not a likely scenario given that Trout is a less than potent puncher, something he well understands.
“I know I’m going to have to put a lot of leather on him in order to get a decisive win in the Madison Square Garden,” said Trout, “so a totally defensive fight is not going to necessarily be the key to victory for me.”
Come what may this looks to be an uphill battle for Austin. But not lacking in confidence, Trout seems to have everything mapped out. “I know this fight will be a changing of the guard. I’m going to use my victory over him [Cotto] as an announcement that boxing has a new superstar,” stated Trout. They’re not going there to watch their hero win. They’re going there to watch him pass the torch.”
Bold words from the defending champion who may be putting the cart before the horse. We shall see. What is for sure is that Austin “No Doubt” Trout in order to retain his title will have to do so against a man who’s not only still intent on proving himself at the highest level, but a man who’s on a mission to cement his legacy in the sport. Cotto by decision or stoppage in a war of wits.
“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12 round battle between four-time three-division world champion Miguel Angel Cotto and WBA Super junior middleweight world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, to take place on December 1st at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Also making his return to the ring will be recent cancer survivor and Brooklyn native Danny “The Golden Child” Jacobs who’s set to square off with Chris Fitzpatrick in a ten-round undercard attraction.
This event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, and is sponsored by Corona to be televised live on Showtime Championship Boxing beginning at 9pm ET/PT.
