From what I remember he's a big guy at junior middle. He's already fought the best at the weight and isn't going to get any big money staying there. Middleweight is also a worse division and Trout could rejuvenate his career with some wins there. If he wants a rematch with Alvarez, what better way than moving up and picking up some big wins?
Plus middleweight is worse than 154. Obviously Trout wouldn't beat Golovkin, but he could beat a lot of the best fighters a division up. I'd pick him over Quillin, and he already beat Cotto. A Cotto rematch for the MW title would be good money for Trout.
I don't even think his chin would be a huge issue. Quillin hits hard, but a lot of middleweights don't hit as hard as Alvarez or Lara or Kirkland.
Alvarez nor Lara are big punchers. Even Sturm punches harder than them. Actually I think 154 is worse than 160... I mean the fighters at 154 aren't even very well put together, not to mention they all have flaws. Someone like Geale would grind most of them down.
After seeing his fight night weight against Canelo, it was obvious that his days @154 are numbered. He could fight Truax to get his feet wet, then move on to Macklin/Stevens or maybe Martinez if/when he decides to return.
Don't know about quillin.... Could crack that chin if he lands
Of course, but I think Quillin would either have to knock Trout out or drop him 6 times like N'Dam, otherwise Trout would win. I'd pick Trout.
that said, i didn't catch his fight last night.
He dominated a punching bag, pretty much, but he got dropped twice in the 3rd. The chin isn't looking too good.
i saw him in vegas, and he didn't look like a huge junior middleweight to me. i wouldn't suggest moving up if he doens't have to.
he doesn't have great power, or a great chin. even more than range and physical strength, these are the things guys have a hard time dealing with as they move up in weight.
his style isn't awful for fighting bigger guys, but i don't trust his power or chin.