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© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing
Yesterday at Madison Square Garden a legion of Trinidad supporters attended the final press conference yelling, “Tito! Tito! Tito” as he pounded his chest and declared he would defeat his opponent Roy Jones, Jr. on Saturday night.
Felix “Tito” Trinidad, 42-2 (35), will be stepping into the ring on January 19 for the first time in nearly three years after his loss to Winky Wright in May of 2005, although he may have to get rid of some ring rust his New York fan base will not need any warming up for the event.
Trinidad was confident as he addressed the crowd, “I’m feeling very good with a lot of passion. I’m going to get another victory for me. I trained and worked very hard and I know I’m going to win. I’m confident in myself and I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
Even more passionate than Tito was one of his supporters in the crowd who stood in the front row and yelled at Roy Jones, Jr. claiming Tito would knock him out. As the pro crowd rallied behind the statement a supporter of Jones’ stood and asked if someone could wake up the Tito fans because they must be dreaming if they think Tito would actually win.
Roy Jones, Jr,. 51-4 (38), took the Trinidad fans in stride smiling as they yelled. “Thank God for being here and I appreciate the patriotism for you booing me. That’s okay you stand for what you believe in.” said an amused Jones. “But come Saturday night you are going to hate me more after I beat Felix Trinidad. It’s only me and Tito in the ring and, unfortunately, I have to give Tito a bad birthday present.”
Jones claims to be in the best shape he has ever been, “You should have seen what I did in my training camp. My trainer’s been telling people about it because Roy Jones Jr. is all the way back. All I can tell you is I’m going to be raw on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss it.”
The “Bring on the Titans” card will also feature some interesting undercard matches which will begin with a 12 round super lightweight fight between former Junior. Welterweight World Champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, 31-7-1 (17), and undefeated Devon Alexander “The Great”, 13-0 (9).
Corley is returning to the ring in less than two months after his split decision loss to Dairo Esalas on November 30, “I’m glad I can come back so soon after my last fight. You will see on Saturday night why they call me Chop Chop because I am coming back with two hands.”
The 20 year old Alexander feels ready for the challenge, “This is a big opportunity I’m looking forward to being there Saturday. We have been training for two months and the fact that my fight is on television is an extra bonus. Come Saturday night, ‘The Great’ is on.”
In a 12 round, super welterweight fight former IBF Champion Roman Karmazin, 36-2-1 (23), will face Alex Bunema, 26-9-2 (9).
Karmazin ,who resides in Los Angeles , CA by way of St. Petersburg , Russia, said, “I’m dedicating my first fight in Madison Square Garden to two Russian New York Police Department officers who died in the line of duty. They were immigrants like me and they sacrificed their lives for saving and helping people. I’m fighting for them and our freedom.”
Bunema was excited to be part of a history making card, “I have had a few chances in the past where I came up short, but I’m not going to let this opportunity get away from me on Saturday. This is it for me. I’m from Zaire, now called Congo. I’m excited to be fighting at the Garden. Roy is one of my boxing heroes and I’m thrilled to be on this card.”
In the lead up to the main event Andrew Golota, 40-6-1 (33), will face Mike Mollo, 19-1 (12), in a 12 round heavyweight bout.
Golota briefly addressed the crowd, “Very nice to be in New York again and I’m ready for the win. I can’t wait to get back into the Garden ring and I look forward to it.”
Mollo is happy to be making his first trip to the Mecca of Boxing, “I’m so excited to fight at Madison Square Garden under two great legends like Roy Jones and Tito Trinidad. I called out Andrew Golota and I’m glad I got this fight, it’s going to be a great fight.”
