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Felix Trinidad's father says it's time to retire

The last time we saw Felix Trinidad, he was uncompetitive against Roy Jones Jr. in New York. He's set to "officially" retire after almost two more years out of the ring. (Photo via slam.canoe.ca)

The last time we saw Felix Trinidad, he was uncompetitive against Roy Jones Jr. in New York. He's set to "officially" retire after almost two more years out of the ring. (Photo via slam.canoe.ca)

Felix Trinidad Sr., whose son Felix "Tito" Trinidad hasn't fought in almost two years again, says his son should retire, according to Primera Hora (link in Spanish). Trinidad last fought in January 2008, losing a wide decision to Roy Jones Jr. while attempting to move up to a 170-pound catchweight following a two and a half year layoff. Trinidad had lost fought no higher than 160.

Says Felix Sr. (doing my best to translate):

"The truth is, Tito has not visited the gym since he fought Roy Jones. ... Tito has nothing left to prove in boxing. He's done everything. He fought the best and was champion in three divisions."

Trinidad (42-3, 35 KO) won titles at 147, 154 and 160 pounds in his career, and became one of Puerto Rico's all-time most beloved fighters in the process. This would be his third "retirement." He also called it quits after a one-sided loss to middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in 2001, fighting once more in 2002 in Puerto Rico as a farewell. He returned in 2004 to answer the challenge of Ricardo Mayorga and gave Mayorga a nasty beating, stopping him in the eighth round. Trinidad was then embarrassed over 12 rounds by Winky Wright in 2005, and quit again.

He came back for a "dream match" against Jones, although whose dream it was was never really addressed. Jones sent Trinidad to the canvas two times and won a decision by scores closer than the fight really was (117-109, 116-110, 116-110). Jones cruised after feeling Trinidad out early and deciding that the naturally smaller man just could not hurt him.

The article also says Tito would still like to rematch Hopkins, and since Hopkins can't get under 170 anymore either I don't think, I don't see that fight being too interesting.

If he is done, Trinidad will be best remembered for his controversial win over Oscar de la Hoya in 1999, and for a win over Pernell Whitaker seven months prior to that, which essentially retired "Sweet Pea." Trinidad won a clear decision, which trumped Oscar's debated win over Whitaker. Pernell did fight once more, breaking his clavicle against Carlos Bojorquez.

Trinidad is a likely Hall of Famer when his name comes to the voters, I figure. He was a massive figure for Puerto Rican boxing and a big star. He fought good competition and didn't back away from challenges. I'm hoping this retirement sticks, because the last time we heard him rumored to fight, he wanted to take on Kelly Pavlik at a catchweight. If Trinidad can't even make 160 anymore, he's just not going to be any sort of factor, and it'd be tough to watch him put dents in a solid legacy.

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Primera Hora

Actually, that’s a very inaccurate take on the Primera Hora story, both on your part and on BoxingScene’s. The story never says that Trinidad is planning to announce his retirement. It’s merely an interview with Felix Trinidad Sr, in which he says that he would advise Tito to retire, but Tito himself hasn’t made any statements. In fact, the story states that Tito himself is still looking for a fight with Bernard Hopkins.

by kgon47 on Sep 22, 2009 9:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You are correct. It is being fixed.

Bad Left Hook
"Well Howie, I think I'm going to stay outside and outjab him." -- Tex Cobb telling Howard Cosell how he would approach Larry Holmes

by SC on Sep 22, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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