With a major world title fight just days away, Austin Trout feels like he is already being counted out and the former world champion said it's his time to be at the top of the mountain again.
Days before he is set to face Jermell Charlo for the WBC junior middleweight title on a Showtime-televised bout, Trout said people are underestimating him. Trout said he's been in tough fights before, even calling his decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2013 a controversial one, but believes he still continues to gain respect in the sport. As training camp is winding down, Trout thinks he is in prime physical condition and ready to win another world title.
"People are underestimating me and overlooking me. I earned and continue to earn respect in this sport and my competition can choose to ignore it or acknowledge it. I've beaten champions and taken titles. I've lost in controversial decisions to champions like Canelo. This is my time," Trout said.
Trout is best known for shocking the boxing world and upsetting future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, but has previously stated a win over Charlo would trump that victory over Cotto. Trout has fought some of the biggest names in the sport of this generation including Cotto, Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jarrett Hurd and Jermall Charlo, Jermell's twin brother.
The fight between Jermell and Trout will be the co-feature bout for the June 9 Showtime Championship Boxing card headlined by the Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares rematch for the WBA "super" featherweight title.
