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On August 24th, 2002, Daniel Seda had the opportunity all pugilists strive for, a world championship bout. On that night, Daniel Seda's head collided with WBA champion Derrick Gainer in the second round , causing a gash over the champion's left eye. After two rounds, a no decision was declared, ending the dreams of a world title for Seda on that night.
What was to come in the months to follow was even more maddening for Daniel than having his title fight abruptly terminated. At the time, Seda was being trained by Don Felix Trinidad and promoted by Don King. Due to Felix "Tito" Trinidad's early retirement, Don King turned his back on many of Don Felix Trinidad's stable. Not only was a rematch verses Gainer not in the works, no matches were in the making. Frustration and disillusion set in with the Daniel, causing the ex-Olympian to retire at the green age of twenty-four.
"I had no support from Don King in finding a rematch, in finding anything. I lost faith and removed myself from the sport."
An unfortunate situation for a man that boxing journalist, Jose Sanchez, described as, "a good example of what a boxer should be in that he is a bumble and wholesome individual."
Seda's solid character and in-ring talents were not to be denied, as Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing came looking for the flustered fighter, with a little help from his old trainer. "They [Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing] were looking to sign some Puerto Rican fighters, they had already signed a few. Don Felix mentioned me to them."
With a new promoter and a national television date looming just weeks away, Daniel is eager to return to his work, boxing, after a year-old leave from the sport. "I have been training for three months. I wake up at dawn and do my running. I am already right around fight weight. I want to fight, I am itching to fight."
Thirteen months of inactivity brings up the possibility of ring rust, a factor Seda quickly brushed aside. "I have no worries [about ring rust]. I am working hard in the gym, working the mitts. The lay-off will have no effect on my return."
Seda is a forward moving, no nonsense fighter, a style that tends to breed problems with movement and speed. In the case of Seda, he claims to have more versatility. "I move forward and look for my opponent. I can box when I have to, like the fight with Nana Konadu. He was tough and could fight, so I had to box and beat him."
What lurks in the future for the Puerto Rican featherweight returning from a Don King induced exodus? "I would love a rematch with Derrick Gainer. I would love a fight with any of the champions in the featherweight division. I imagine they [his promoter] want me to have one or more two fights, but if a championship fight presents itself, I want to dive in headfirst."