by David P. Greisman

Austin Trout’s trainer says the junior middleweight titleholder should not have been arrested early on New Year’s Day in Texas for suspicion of public intoxication.

“Austin says he was not drinking," Louie Burke was quoted as telling El Paso television station KVIA ABC-7. “He went out to eat, and an argument started at the table next to him. [Austin] tried to break up the fight. He did break up the fight actually. He asked the police officer what he was getting arrested for. He said, ‘Can you please give me a breathalyzer test?’ And the police denied him one.”

According to the El Paso Times, Trout was one of a handful of people arrested at 4:30 a.m. at a restaurant; he was put behind bars at 8:50 a.m. and set free on bail at 11 a.m., according to the newspaper.

Greg Cohen, Trout’s promoter, told Lem Satterfield of RingTV.com that Trout was released without being charged with a crime. El Paso County’s online court records did not yet show any cases listed for Trout as of later in the evening on Jan. 2.

Officers were called to the restaurant at about 2:30 a.m. for a report of a fight. Police said that witnesses identified Trout and three other people as being involved. While speaking to those allegedly involved, officers smelled alcohol and noticed “slurred speech and unsteady balance,” according to the El Paso Times article, which cited the police report.

The 27-year-old New Mexico resident is coming off the biggest win of his career: a December unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto that took place at Madison Square Garden and headlined a Showtime main event. The victory brought Trout’s record to 26-0 with 14 knockouts.

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com

Tags: Austin Trout