By Mike Coppinger
Austin Trout is used to fighting in hostile enemy territory.
He's fought in Mexico several times against Mexican fighters. In his two title fights in Mexico, he defeated the hometown fighter by a wide unanimous decision.
The undefeated junior middleweight isn't shy when it comes to fighting on the road, so when he got the opportunity to defend against Miguel Cotto at the Garden in New York City, Trout didn't hesitate. Cotto routinely draws sell-out crowds at MSG and has become a fan favorite there. Though Cotto is from Puerto Rico, he might as well call the Garden home. After-all, it's the home of most of the best nights of Cotto's career.
There he's enjoyed wins over Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi to name a few. Many are saying the hometown advantage will make it hard for Trout to win a decision. And while Trout is a bit concerned about Cotto getting some home-cooking on Saturday, he is confident his skills and performance will convince the judges he's the better man.
"I'm a little bit concerned, but I can't focus on things I have no control of," said Trout, 27. "I gotta focus on my performance and I believe if I execute like I know I can the judges will not be a factor."
Trout (25-0, 14 KOs) has yet to taste defeat, but hasn't fought anyone remotely close to Cotto's class. Saturday's offering on Showtime should tell the public a lot about the fighter from Las Cruces, N.M.
