By Luis Sandoval

Austin Trout’s match with Delvin Rodriguez had more at stake than just his WBA Junior Middleweight title as it was almost considered an audition for a possible fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Days before James Kirkland who agreed to fight Alvarez noted an injury would prevent him from being able to go through with the bout. It was then later reported Kirkland wasn’t injured but actually wanted more money. Trout’s name immediately was brought up as a possible replacement to face Alvarez on September 15th.

Many weren’t exactly thrilled with Trout’s fight with Rodriguez as it was a very measured tactical affair which didn’t produce much action. But for Trout who spoke with BoxingScene at the post fight press conference, he felt Rodriguez’s awkward style made it difficult to look good.

“It was a good fight. Delvin is a good fighter. I can’t really complain about my performance. I got the win. I felt like I won decisively. I feel it wasn’t my best but I had to do what I had to do to get the win and I don’t think that’s due to my preparation or anything like that. It’s due to the type of fighter Delvin is. He was very awkward. He switched it up probably almost round by round. It took me a little too long to figure it out” explained Trout.

“Our styles didn’t match up as far as my style and his style. He did have me thinking a lot. He boxed more than I thought. I thought he was going to come forward but he changed it up”.

It’s a classic case of “win today look good tomorrow” for the New Mexico native and the good news is he’s still in the running to land the Canelo fight according to Richard Schaefer. Schaefer even reminded everyone at the post fight press conference that it was Trout who beat Canelo’s brother Rigoberto Alvarez to get his current title and Canelo had vowed to avenge his brother’s defeat.

Trout is still very optimistic about his future and landing the big fights he’s been coveting. And while the performance may not have been the one he was hoping for, he feels not looking his best could actually help him out in the long run.

“Well look, if I had my best performance tonight they wouldn’t be looking for me. So I think due to how I looked tonight they probably might be looking for me. And I’m not saying I only want to fight Canelo, I want to fight anyone who has a bigger name than me. It’s a long list. I’m just trying to move forward” said Trout.

Trout is still hopeful a fight with Alvarez will materialize for September 15th and that will be his top priority for the moment.

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.