With typical hyperbole, Don King introduced Felix "Tito" Trinidad as someone who is loved by everyone in the boxing world.
Well, everyone except Ricardo Mayorga, who was sitting about 6m to Trinidad's left.
"Tito has been knocked out ever since he signed that contract," said Mayorga, Trinidad's opponent in Saturday's middleweight fight that could be one of the highlights of the boxing year. "Once a car wrecks, it does not have the same value as before."
Mayorga, the former WBA and WBC welterweight champion, believes Trinidad lost his skills when he retired 29 months ago. To emphasize his confidence about beating the Puerto Rican star, Mayorga offered to bet "anyone who wants" US$1 million on the outcome of the 12-round bout.
The Nicaraguan even did a tap dance on a poster of Trinidad at Wednesday's news conference and wrote KO next to Trinidad's picture.
"When Tito falls and there is two to three seconds of silence, the only thing you'll hear is the old man (Trinidad's father and trainer, also named Felix) stepping up to the ring," Mayorga said, "to take care of his son."
Mayorga is known for his unpredictable behavior in and out of the ring. A smoker, he often has lit up cigarettes after fights. During bouts, he's been known to drop his glove and stick out his chin, daring an opponent to hit it.
Trinidad, who has 34 knockouts among his 41 victories (and one loss, to middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins), will gladly oblige Mayorga if so challenged.
"Tito is not coming to play in the ring," Trinidad promised. "He's coming to fight and will be hitting very hard [against] any challengers -- even more when they have a big mouth. This is the case even more with Mayorga.
"He doesn't understand with whom he'll be in the ring."
Mayorga (27-4-1, 23 KOs) will be in the ring with one of New York's most popular fighters.
Although the 31-year-old Trinidad grew up and lives in Puerto Rico, he has spent much time in the US.
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