Former world champion Austin Trout recreated Apollo Creed’s famous entrance from Rocky IV before being knocked senseless in a brutal second-round defeat at BKFC Liberty Brawl.
Trout entered the arena in Philadelphia wearing the star-spangled colors made famous by Creed as “Living in America” played during the elaborate walkout.
The timing could hardly have been more fitting on the Fourth of July.
Unfortunately for Trout, what followed also carried an uncomfortable Rocky IV resemblance without the dramatic ending to the Creed vs. Drago fight.
Ben Bonner dropped the former super welterweight champion heavily with a right hand in the second round. Trout attempted to get back to his feet, but his equilibrium was completely gone.
The 40-year-old lost his balance and fell over again before the fight was waved off.
Trout had entered like Apollo Creed. Minutes later, he was unable to move without falling over.
Apollo Creed Entrance
Hours before the fight, Conor McGregor had talked up Trout’s attempt to become a two-division BKFC champion.
“This is one hell of a fighter! Already a two sport world champion in boxing and bare knuckle, he now aims to move higher in the echelon of ALL TIME FIGHTING GREATS, by becoming Champ Champ of bareknucklefc!” McGregor stated.
Instead, Trout’s five-fight winning run in bare-knuckle boxing came to a violent end.
The former titleholder had built one of the most successful crossover careers of any boxer to enter BKFC.
Trout defeated Luis Palomino in 2024 to win the BKFC welterweight world title, becoming the first gloved boxing world champion to claim a BKFC championship.
“I’m going to be here for a long time, so get tired of me – I’m not going anywhere,” Trout said after winning the belt.
Two years later, Bonner brought that unbeaten BKFC run to an emphatic halt.
Austin Trout Knocked Senseless
Trout has shared the ring with Canelo Alvarez, won world titles with and without gloves, and spent more than two decades fighting at the highest level.
His move into bare-knuckle boxing was not a one-off payday. Trout committed to the sport, conquered a division, and attempted to add another title at 40.
Whatever happens next, Trout’s success in BKFC has already made him a trailblazer for boxers who decide to compete in alternate codes after their traditional ring careers are over.
But nothing in his career produced an ending quite like the one that followed his Apollo Creed entrance in Philadelphia.
Bonner’s right hand left Trout swaying from side to side and unable to find his feet. The former world champion was conscious and trying to stand, but his body would not cooperate.
If the defeat proves to be the end, Trout can retire with his head held high.
He just may never watch Rocky IV the same way again.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
