Interview by Gerardo Martinez
Photos: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Undefeated WBA junior middleweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (23-0, 13 KOs) will get his chance to defend his title on home turf for the the first time since becoming a champion. On Showtime’s ShoBox, Trout will take on challenger Frank LoPorto (15-4, 7 KOs) of Victoria, Australia from Cohen Stadium in El Paso, Texas.

“I came in 154 even,” says Trout. “I’ve been training in Las Cruces at the PAL boxing gym, and sparring with Hector Munoz and Abie Han have been sparring with me.

“I know I’m fighting close to home, but I don’t see it as that much of an advantage. It’s nice to have a hometown crowd – I guess my opponent will be at a disadvantage since the crowd will be against him, but I’ll perform anywhere, in my hometown or not.

“I just want to go out there and show these people why I’m champion and start pushing for the big fights. I’m looking the win – I’m not gonna look for a KO because if you look for it, most likely, it won’t come. But I do know I gotta win in good fashion.

“Frank LoPorto has amazing heart and will (LoPorto). It’s gonna be a great fight regardless of how it ends. It’s gonna be a good chance to show my skills. Both of my last fights have been against bigger guys coming down to fight me, so it’s good to finally get to fight a natural 154 pounder.”