Former WBA boxing champion Austin Trout has added another belt to his mantle by winning the BKFC welterweight title.
Trout stepped into the ring at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. against the man who many labeled as the No. 1 pound-for-pound bareknuckle boxer, Luis Palomino. But after five rounds, Trout’s traditional boxing experience shined in a stick-and-move clinic to earn unanimous 49-46 scores to win the title, and give Palomino his first bareknuckle defeat.
Trout controlled the action early behind a snappy right jab that he sent to the body and head. Palomino searched for his openings, looking to duck under and come over the top with hooks – and he connected with a nice left. The opening feel-out round seemed to fly by.
Palomino turned up the intensity early in Round 2 by charging forward with punches and putting Trout into clinches against the ropes. Trout continued to work behind his jab, and snuck in a nice short uppercut as Palomino closed the distance.
A similar approach from both fighters began Round 3. Palomino continued to be aggressive, which allowed opportunities for Trout to land some well-timed counters.
Trout circled on the outside to start Round 4, reading Palomino’s movements. In a heated exchange, Trout clipped Palomino on the chin, and then appeared to push him to the canvas as he circled around. The referee ruled it as the first knockdown of the fight. Palomino returned to his feet, and the fight continued into the last round.
AND NEW
Austin Trout defeats Luis Palomino via unanimous decision (49-45×3) to become the new BKFC welterweight champion 🏆 #BKFC57
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) February 3, 2024
Controlling the center, Trout made Palomino come to him, and the champ was up for the task. Palomino began furiously chasing Trout around the ring, waving Trout in, which got the crowd excited. Trout evaded and taunted until the final bell sounded.
Strike totals shown on the broadcast favored Trout 99 to 40, which was reflected on the judges’ scorecards.
During his post-fight interview, Trout gave his props to Palomino, but also promised to hold the title for a long time.
“I am the champ of the BKFC and I’m going to be here for a long time, so get tired of me,” Trout said. “You can get tired of me, but I’m not going nowhere.”
Trout improves to 2-0 under the BKFC banner, while Palomino walks away with his first loss in bareknuckle competition with a record of 9-1.
