Them's fightin' words
Trinidad promises Sept. 18 knockout of De La Hoya
Posted: Tuesday September 14, 1999 11:46 AM
| |
Handy work: Felix Trinidad spoke with reporters, telling them boxers have a tendency to fall when he puts his hands on them and De La Hoya would be no exception. AP |
FAJARDO, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Felix Trinidad made a final promise to his countrymen before leaving Puerto Rico for the biggest fight of his career: He's coming home with all of the hardware.
"I'm in the best physical condition of my life, and I can't see how De La Hoya could end the fight on his feet," Trinidad said Thursday. "I'm going to knock him out after the sixth round."
Trinidad made the comments at a news conference at the El Conquistador Resort, his last appearance on the island before leaving Saturday to finish training in Las Vegas.
The two undefeated champions will fight Sept. 18 in a welterweight unification bout at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.
Trinidad, the IBF champion, is 35-0 with 30 knockouts. De La Hoya holds the WBC title and is 31-0 with 25 knockouts.
"When I put my hands on a boxer he falls, and De La Hoya will be no exception," Trinidad said. "He won't be able to take the punishment."
Promoter Don King was in Puerto Rico to support Trinidad.
"I don't see anyone who could beat Tito [Trinidad]. He's going to knock out De La Hoya in six rounds," King said. "What I'm most
interested in is that De La Hoya gets into the ring, doesn't get sick, or even a bruise, before the fight."
Trinidad is guaranteed $8.5 million for the fight, while De La Hoya will earn $15 million.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| 
