Boxer Austin Trout On IBF Junior Middlweight Matchup Vs Jermall Charlo [Exclusive Video]

In a recent interview with uSports, former World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight champion Austin Trout discussed how he typically prepares for a big fight like his 12-round matchup against International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo at The Chelsea in Las Vegas on Saturday night, which aired on Showtime.

Boxer Austin Trout On Junior Middlweight Matchup vs Jermall Charlo

“They say — and depending on who you talk to, the numbers may change — that 75 percent of the game [of boxing] is mental and 25 percent is physical. You just gotta look at it in terms of what’s all on the line,” said Trout. “You don’t want to think about defeat, but where does that set you, you know? This is a ‘can’t-lose’ situation, and I’ve said it about every fight that happens but it’s true: this is a can’t-lose situation for me. Everything I’ve worked for has brought me to this position here.”

Trout, 30, said he began boxing when he was about 10 and found out there was a gym near his house. He then asked his mom to drive him there regularly. He also added that his father was a longtime fan of the sport.

“The guy I beat for the [world welterweight] title last year was a little unknown, but so was I, you know,” Trout added when asked what he thought would be similar or different in this fight compared to previous bouts. “But he’s [Charlo] been seen, people know who he is, and a win over him would definitely up my respect in the game.”

With regards to what he believes is the key to landing the perfect punch, Trout simply said: “Timing. Timing is everything. You don’t have to be super fast but you definitely have to time it right.”

Just a few days before Mother’s Day earlier this month, Trout said his mother, along with several other women in his life, have had a great influence on him.

“She gave me dedication,” the New Mexico native said. “Mothers Day is really a mother’s and father’s day for her – she is both. She taught me how to be a man.”

Trout, who won the WBA World Super Welterweight Title in 2011, then added, “All the women in my life have showed me the power of love and hard work, and I have no other choice BUT to be great. We’re Trout. We are champions. No excuses.”

Trout (30-2, 17 KOs) also said that aside from his mother, Minnesa, his Great Uncle Joe, a sort of father figure to him, has also had a great influence on him, as have a few of his coaches.

“I think kids need someone to let down in order to keep them straight. I wasn’t worried about teachers or cops or anything like that, but I didn’t wanna let my mother, Joe, or my coaches down.

With regards to his final piece of advice to aspiring boxers, Trout said: “Have a genuine love for the sport, because it’s brutal. Have a lot for it, and believe in yourself, because this is the only sport where everybody and anybody will tell you that you can’t do it, or you’re done. You can’t let any of that negative energy get into your heart.

Trout also stated he is religious.

“I believe in God, definitely,” the boxer said, “so I feel that it’s his path, and no matter what anybody says, you can’t change God’s path. Ultimately, the only person who can alter that path is me. As long as I’m doing what I need to do as far as living right, eating right, working right, nothing can stop me.”

Trout lost to Charlo in Las Vegas on Saturday. Charlo thus retained his IBF junior middleweight title via unanimous decision. Two judges scored it 116-112, with the other card reading 115-113.

“It was a hell of a fight and Austin Trout is a hell of a fighter,” said Charlo, whose twin brother Jermell won a title earlier in the night. “He beat (Miguel) Cotto, he fought Canelo (Alvarez). And the guy gave me extra experience. First time I went 12 (rounds), I was in shape and ready for it.”

Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) landed the bigger, harder shots from the onset and used his superior strength to bully Trout on the ropes

“I’m very disappointed, I feel like I won the fight,” Trout (30-3, 17 KOs) said. “Seems like on these close decisions I always come up short when it’s clear I won the fight. The cut didn’t bother me. I thought I controlled the second half and I won clearly.”

Charloo, 26, will now face Julian “J-Rock” Williams, an undefeated puncher from Philadelphia.

PHOTO: LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 21: Austin Trout is shown before the start of his title fight against IBF junior middleweight champion Jermall Charlo at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on May 21, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)