ROY JONES JR. TO FACE TITO TRINIDAD
Posted on | August 14, 2007 | No Comments
Roy Jones Jr Vs Tito Trinidad – Two legends fighting to prove they can still do it
By Matt Yanofsky
On January 26th 2008, Felix “Tito” Trinidad will end his 2 ½ year hiatus from boxing and return to the ring to face former undisputed Light Heavyweight king and pound for pound superstar Roy Jones Jr at a catch weight of 170 lbs. Jones, who has racked up two straight victories since his straight losses in 2004 and 2005 will be facing his first big test since the losses. Trinidad, who struggled mightily with weight fluctuation between his most recent contests as well as embarrassing losses in two of his last four fights, will be looking to see if his legendary power will travel up to the Super Middleweight/Light Heavyweight division.
This fight will most definitely be on a Showtime or independent pay per view as neither is longer interest to HBO. Ironically, Jones and Trinidad’s 5 legitimate losses {not counting the Jones DQ to Montell Griffin} have either been televised on HBO’s Championship Boxing or pay per view. Albeit, the fight will still be a major interest to boxing fans since it is a true crossroads fight between two of the top pugilists in recent history. Jones will most definitely be the favorite over the Puerto Rican superstar who is moving up 10 lbs in weight from his previous fight. In addition, Jones has been a more active over the last two years {fighting three times since Trinidad’s last bout} and beat an undefeated prospect in Anthony Hanshaw on July 14th. Regardless, this fight will definitely bring up different opinions on which the victor will be and if it should even be happening at this point in time.
“If this fight took place a few years ago when originally planned, I think Roy would have overwhelmed Tito and taken him out relatively quickly” said John “The Iceman” Scully a former sparring partner of Jones. “Jones at any point of his career would have an advantage because tremendous hand speed and bursts of power. I am not sure how even a prime Tito would have been able to deal with it”.
“Tito has serious flaws that speed and quickness obviously can take advantage of, while Jones surely has some deep rooted questions about his ability to take flush punches especially from a debilitating puncher like Trinidad. Forget the weight difference; Tito has the type of power that if he lands flush, anybody would feel it. But ultimately, I think Roy’s speed, reflexes and boxing smarts will enable him toy with Tito and earn him a decision victory” said the former Light Heavyweight title challenger.
Regardless of the outcome, it is sure to go down as one of the most memorable crossroads fight in boxing history. The winner will earn at least one more major pay day, while the loser should have no shame as they will fall victim to a legend of the sport. Here is one thing that is certain; both men will once again share the glory of the sport in the near future in Canastota, New York at the Boxing Hall of Fame.