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The potential of power like that of Felix “Tito” Trinidad’s turns the improbable to possible, and when it lands, it turns the possible into all but a guarantee. Ronald “Winky” Wright cannot claim such prowess, but his access to one of the finest pure boxing |
techniques may be enough to keep Trinidad’s monstrous power at bay. All the same, “Winky” will want to keep his eyes wide open at all times throughout this fight. Defeat for Trinidad is not as unlikely as one might think, and if achieved by Wright, the upset may present a second retirement from Trinidad as disappointing to behold as his return was spectacular. Eternally overlooked, misunderstood by the masses and mistreated by sanctioning organizations, Wright knows his unfavorable position in the eyes of most observers as he who might derail the oncoming Trinidad Express; but moreover, he understands that victory brings him to the summit against Bernard Hopkins. Trinidad harbors those same hopes, and though the will of the people carries him at times, the challenge he faces in Wright is treacherous; all the more so because of the prize that lays beyond. Don’t make a decision on whom you believe will win just yet; check out what the SaddoBoxing.com writers have to say.
Lee Bellfield: A fight that doesn’t need any belt to sell it. The fight is being held at 160-pounds which to me is the deciding factor. I can see “Winky’s” movement troubling Trinidad early on and this is certainly a totally different fight for “Tito” than the one against Mayorga. However, the 160-pound experience of Trinidad and the more hurtful punches will win Tito the fight. I predict a close unanimous decision for Trinidad in a fight that cannot fail to live up to expectations.
Katrina Walters: I love this fight for many reasons. Trinidad has been around and proves every time out that he is not to be taken lightly. “Winky” has been around for over sixteen years and worked hard at gaining the respect of the people, and proves it with his tactical fight performances. I love Trinidad, but I feel this is the dawn of a new era and I give the fight to Winky by decision.
Jim Cawkwell: As I predicted, Corrales-Castillo stole the May boxing show and could remain as the 2005 fight of the year. In this regard, the effect of Trinidad versus Wright on the boxing public will seem somewhat diminished. In terms of strength, Trinidad is the dominant force, but in terms of boxing ability, Wright holds the advantage. It will be an interesting fight until the halfway point, when Trinidad’s efficiency of technique, power and accuracy combine to deposit Wright on the canvas several times before a merciful referee’s stoppage.
Matt Cotterell: I’m picking “Winky” to win this one on the cards. I think he will score well early on with the jab and straight left whilst repelling anything “Tito” throws at him with his tight defense. When it gets to the business end, I think Tito is going to find Winky much stronger than he expected and he will cope with the late rally. Winky by unanimous decision.
Rupert Wricklemarsh: I have been a fan of both fighters for over ten years and will be pleased no matter who wins. It’s great that Wright is finally getting the respect (and money) he deserves. I picked him in both Mosley fights but I am going for Trinidad in this one. Wright is cute but once those Tito punches start landing, Winky will be forced back and lose a wide points decision.
William Wolfrum: Ahh, the 154-pound division is keeping things going during this recent stretch of quality cards. At first, I was like everyone else, analyzing all the fine points of the Trinidad-Wright battle. But of late, something has become clear — Tito’s going to get Winky out of there in a big way. Beating a bloated and smaller Shane Mosely is not enough to make me believe Wright can hang with Trinidad. As for Tito, it appears plain that he is back and focused on eventually getting the middleweight title, preferably against Hopkins. Since his comeback, Trinidad has been his old, hungry, punishing self. Expect Trinidad to KO Wright by round six.
Shaun Rico LaWhorn: Tito Trinidad (42-1-35 KOs) vs. Winky Wright (48-3-25 KOs) is a defining fight, not only for Trinidad and Wright, but also for the whole middleweight division. The fighters have two totally different boxing styles. I think some people have forgotten Tito’s boxing ability and believe only in his power punching. With Ricardo Mayorga, that style was effective. Trinidad mentioned he is ready for whatever style Winky presents. This fight will start slow; Winky will try to outbox Tito and give him a lesson in boxing. Trinidad will box and go by Winky’s game plan, only to become the aggressor and Winky then will feel Tito’s power. I see Tito wearing down Wright’s stamina and with this style, Tito will come out the winner. Trinidad by technical knockout in the eleventh round.
Sergio Martinez: After Castillo vs. Corrales, it’s really hard to focus on a fight this soon, but Trinidad vs. Wright should be a decent scrap. Like I said in the “Big Debate,” I think “Tito’s” power is going to be too much for “Winky” to handle. I see a tactical fight early with Wright countering effectively out of his defensive posture. Trinidad will hit any part of Wright’s body available, keep constant pressure on, and wear “Winky” down. If this fight goes the distance, it’s because “Winky” decided to go into survival mode. If he tries to keep the Puerto Rican legend off him by trading some shots, he will be stopped late.
James MacDonald: Wright to beat Trinidad by split decision. I feel Wright has the class and versatility to beat Tito. If he figures Trinidad out, as most world class ‘boxers’ do, he can only lose it, as De La Hoya did. Trinidad will have to hope Winky does the brave thing and stands in front of him. If he does start out that way, I see him changing shortly thereafter. As good as Wright’s defense is I don’t think he can stand in front of Trinidad, like he did against Vargas, and expect to finish the fight upright.
Greig Johnston: Big, big test for Trinidad. Ricardo Mayorga fit Tito like a pair of old jeans, but fighting Winky Wright can be a little bit like trying to find the end of a roll of sellotape – with boxing gloves on. I think that somebody of Winky’s class will be too much for Trinidad. Look for Wright to use the ‘Hopkins’ Method for Destabilizing Puerto Rican Sluggers’ (Bernard’s thesis, I believe). I think Winky wins a close decision.
Don Caputo: A tough one to pick, but I am going to have to go with Tito. Winky is as solid as they come and can be an extremely awkward customer, but Trinidad is no Shane Mosley. He will be in against a different animal come tomorrow night, Wright possesses an airtight defense so I am expecting him to hear the final bell, but once he feels Trinidad’s power, look for him go into a bit of a defensive shell and throw fewer and fewer punches as the rounds progress. Trinidad by unanimous decision; Wright will keep it close but I just don’t see him being aggressive enough to sway the judges.
Want to be a part of the SaddoBoxing.com team? Contact Jim Cawkwell at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk
