Aussie boxer LoPorto set to batter Trout

11 Nov 2011, 7:44 am   -   Source: AAP

Australian brawler Frank LoPorto hopes to claim a boxing world-title in Texas against American Austin Trout on Saturday (AEDT).

It is ironic the man who stands in the way of Australian brawler Frank LoPorto claiming a boxing world-title in Texas is named Austin Trout.

LoPorto, a no-nonsense wharfie from Melbourne, loves fish. He fries, grills, poaches and steams it, but on Friday (Saturday AEDT) he plans to batter Trout when they battle in the American's home town of El Paso for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title.

"I'm a big fish eater," LoPorto told AAP.

"I'm not going to lie. Fish is my favourite food."

The US boxing media and Las Vegas bookmakers give 33-year-old LoPorto little chance of upsetting the slick southpaw Trout, who won the WBA belt in February with a unanimous points decision over Mexico's Rigoberto Alvarez.

The 26-year-old Trout has an undefeated 23 win, 13 knockout professional record while LoPorto is unimpressive on paper with 15 wins (seven KOs), four losses and two draws.

The Australian says the blemishes on his record are largely from fights he took at late notice.

LoPorto is also not intimidated about fighting in El Paso's outdoor Cohen Stadium packed with Trout fans screaming for his blood.

Trout has raised concerns about the outdoor venue as the weather for the evening fight is expected to be chilly.

"It actually suits me because I'll be working harder than him," LoPorto, used to working winter night shifts on Port Melbourne and Footscray wharves, explains.

"I'll get the fresh air and it will be easier for me to breathe."

If Trout is victorious he will be in line for a big money bout with the winner of the upcoming fight between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito.

If LoPorto is victorious he will likely take the WBA belt back to Australia for a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Mundine.

"I should have fought Mundine a long time ago," LoPorto said.

The LoPorto-Trout fight will be beamed live around the US on the Showtime TV network and in Australia on the FOX Sports pay TV channel.

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