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May 17, 2004
War of Words Erupts at Trinidad-Mayorga Press Conference
by
Bill Emes
Las Vegas - So you were unimpressed by the undercard, if you want to call it that, prior to the "Shot heard round the world" on Saturday night? Most were, but not everyone is aware of the fireworks that occurred several hours before a single punch was thrown at the Mandalay Bay events center on Saturday. This of course was at the press conference held Saturday afternoon to announce a date for the return of
Felix Trinidad to the ring.
On October 2nd, Tito will face Ricardo "El Matador" Mayorga, at a location not yet confirmed, although early speculation has the bout landing at Madison Square Garden. And although the bout is some 4 months away, it didn't take long for the war of words to begin between these two former champions.
It started almost immediately as Mayorga first took the podium, spewing predictions of knockouts in under 8, and going as far as saying he will beat Trinidad so bad that his fans would no longer recognize him.
Then it was time for the Trinidad camp to counter. First to speak was Trinidad Sr., who went on a tirade about Mayorga's training habits, and how in effect Tito would be saving Ricardo's life temporarily, inferring that Mayorga would not be able to smoke and drink his way through training, if he had any chance at all of winning. This prompted Mayorga to dig into his pockets, revealing his pack of Marlboro's that he displayed to the on-lookers.
Tito then took over the proceedings, and immediately launched an onslaught of his own, that included a recommendation that 911 be on alert, because "El Matador" would be leaving the fight on a stretcher. At that point the entire press conference became one big screaming match, halted only when Don King came between the men and turned the attention to the heavyweights.
Also on hand for the press conference were WBA heavyweight champ John Ruiz and the WBO title-holder Lamon Brewster. They were there presumably to announce their match-up on that same date. The fireworks did not end with the Middleweights.
As Ruiz and trainer Norman Stone approached the microphone, cruiserweight Kelvin "Concrete" Davis, another King fighter presumably scheduled to fight on this card versus an opponent to be named, got into it with Ruiz. "I'll fight him right now," proclaimed Davis, as he approached Ruiz. A scuffle ensued, as Norman Stone and Davis exchanged pleasantries. Davis then became so out of control that he had to be restrained by security and members of his entourage. He was promptly removed from the pressroom without further incident.
Just as the press conference appeared to reach an end, tempers flared again with Mayorga and Trinidad. The two got into it over wagering their purses, with Mayorga suggesting they fight "Winner Take All." Mayorga grew frustrated by Tito's unwillingness to agree on the wager, at which point he and his entourage left the stage area never to return.
With over 4 months to go before this bout even happens, the anticipation has already begun for the return of Trinidad.
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