Former Canelo Alvarez foe left flattened on the canvas after violent KO loss in BKFC

Former WBA ‘regular’ super welterweight titlist Austin Trout was viciously knocked out at BKFC Liberty Brawl on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary.

Trout, one of the most successful converts from boxing to bare-knuckle boxing, had won all five of his BKFC fights heading into his bout with England’s Ben Bonner in Philadelphia on Friday night.

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The 40-year-old switched sports in 2023 after a fruitful 37-5-1 gloved career that saw him defeat Miguel Cotto and come up short to Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and both Charlo brothers on points.

In only his second bare-knuckle bout, Trout snatched the welterweight world title from former pound-for-pound king Luis Palomino.

And against Bonner, he was presented with the opportunity to join an elite group of two-division champions as they locked horns for the vacant lightweight strap.

Trout opened up as a sizeable favourite with the bookies, but was decked by an overhand right 15 seconds into the first round.

He recovered from the shot quickly and made his way back to his feet to outbox Bonner for the remainder of the round.

On his stool, Trout was warned about letting Bonner get underneath him to leverage his looping shots.

But early in the second, he was rendered unconscious by another fastball right-hand.

The heavy knockout loss left onlookers visibly worried, but thankfully, after several medical checks, Trout was given the all-clear by the doctors.

“Thank you, God, for another day,” wrote Trout on social media.

“To all my family, friends, and fans, I want you all to know that I am okay.

“I wanna thank Dr. Muzzi and the BKFC staff for going the extra mile to make sure I was okay.

“They administered cognitive tests, concussion tests and blood tests to triple make sure that I was fine.

“Congrats, Bonner, on his win. Besides having my feelings hurt and being utterly heartbroken, I am okay.

“I’m back home resting with my family, plotting on the next lick.

“I love you all and I thank you all for the encouraging words.

“I dared to be great and came up short, s*** happens.

“I’ll never apologize for trying.

“However, I do apologize for letting my family, friends and fans down and putting you all through that kind of scare.

“Time to reassess and readjust. I thank God for you all.”

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