LAS VEGAS, NV (May 2, 2005) – Five months into 2005, and already another “Fight of the Year” candidate has emerged Ôáõ at least on paper. Can TITO TRINIDAD, a world champion in three different weight divisions, return to the winner’s circle for the 43rd time in his 44-fight career or will he be schooled by WINKY WRIGHT, the ONLY three-belt undisputed champion in the history of the 154-pound division? One thing is for sure, the winner of this mega fight will see his stock soar to the top of the mythical Pound-for-Pound list.
Promoted by Don King Productions and Gary Shaw Productions, this middleweight debate gets settled, Saturday, May 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, NV. HBO PAY PER VIEW will televise it live beginning at 9 P.M. ET / 6 P.M. PT. Remaining tickets for this exciting evening of boxing are priced at $1,000, $ 750, $400, $250, and $150, and are on sale at any MGM Grand box office outlet and all TicketMaster outlets. To order tickets by phone with a major credit card, call (702) 474-4000. But until then, let the chads fall where they may. Here are the results of the official exit poll:
“Trinidad will have trouble early with the master boxer Wright. The undisputed jr middleweight champions’ career is at its peak after two very convincing wins over Sugar Shane Mosley. This time he has his work cut out for him, as he faces one of the hardest punchers in the history of boxing. Very few times do you see a man with such debilitating power like Trinidad. Quoting Drago’s manager in Rocky IV, “Whatever he hits, he destroys.” He has made strong men look weak with his power. I expect Wright to outbox Trinidad and win most of the early rounds, but as soon as Trinidad figures him out, he will be able to stop him. Wright has never faced someone with the power that Trinidad possesses, and he’ll be fighting at 160. Hopkins was able to handle Trinidad pretty easy, but he not only beat him with ring skills, but also with mind games. Hopkins is also a stronger guy than is Wright,
so the result will not be the same.
I’m picking Trinidad to stop Wright in 10.”
Armando Alvarez, MaxBoxing.com
“Trinidad-Wright should be very interesting because it pits one of the best offensive fighters against one of the best defensive fighters. Trinidad showed no ring rust in his comeback fight against Mayorga. Wright totally out-boxed Mosley in their two fights last year. Trinidad’s power will be too much for Winky.”
Carlos Arias, Orange County Register
“Felix showed in the Mayorga fight that he had benefited from the time away the ring. Trinidad has one of the best straight rights in boxing and with his balance, combination punching and ease at which he puts the left hook behind the right, I can see it being a difficult night for Winky. Winky’s style of fighting, in the zone, will be the undoing for him in this one. He doesn’t have the power to really get Felix’s respect and is stepping up to 160 where Felix is the real middleweight. Felix, with this win, will be one step closer to a megafight rematch with Hopkins.”
Kevin Barry, Professional Trainer
“Wright will give Trinidad problems early with his craftiness and southpaw stance. But Winky gets hit too much at this stage in his career, and he has never faced a puncher like Trinidad before. Tito’s shots will wear Winky down by the middle rounds, and he’ll cruise to a unanimous decision over a brave, but out-gunned Wright.Ôáü
Kevin Beck, Fightworld.us
“I am picking Winky Wright to win by decision.”
Al Bernstein, 1988 BWAA Broadcast Journalist of the Year
“Winky over Tito by decision.”
Teddy Blackburn, The Fist (Australia)
“Tough, tough call. It all depends on how Winky’s chin holds up. It’s his first fight at 160 pounds, and it’s against a killer, but the hunch here is that his superior boxing skills overcome Trinidad’s ferocious onslaughts. Winky by a razor thin decision”
Ted Bodenrader, The Ring
“Trinidad by suspect decision after much confusion on his part.”
Ron Borges, Boston Globe
“I think that Winky will extend Trinidad to the distance because of his boxing skills and will end up with his hand up by close decision.”
Oscar Borras, 20 de Mayo
“Wright’s skills have always impressed me but regret that Trinidad’s power won’t share that respect.”
Freddie Burcombe, News of the World (London)
“Size is everything here. Wright will not be strong enough to repel the returning force of Trinidad for the full 12 rounds. Tito by clear decision.”
Mark G. Butcher, SecondsOut.com
“Trinidad has his work cut out for him, but has the movement and power to keep Wright at bay. Credit Wright’s heart and difficult southpaw style for making this a close one. Trinidad by split decision.”
Luke Callahan, Talkingboxing.com
“Just as he did in the underdog role in his first fight with Shane Mosley, Winky will rise to the occasion and upset Trinidad. Trinidad obviously packs the stronger punch, but I think Winky is smart enough not to get into a slugfest with Trinidad like Mayorga did (and paid for) last year. However, if Trinidad can connect on a shot – LOOK OUT!! Nevertheless. I have Wright winning in 12.”
Paul Cicala, KTNV-TV (ABC Las Vegas)
“I think that Trinidad will stop Winky in the later rounds. The best way to fight a southpaw is to throw the straight right, and the left hook. Trinidad does this exceptionally well, and if he keeps the pressure up, he’ll break Winky down eventually.”
Ben Cohen, Secondsout.com
“The refreshed and rejuvenated Trinidad will have too much power for the naturally smaller Wright, taking him into deep waters and drowning him late.”
Anthony Cocks, DoghouseBoxing.com
“Winky wins rounds. He’s made a career of it. Trinidad will have to stop Wright to win this one, and that’s an unlikely scenario. Wright by decision.”
Dave “The Thermometer” Cokin, ESPN Radio-Las Vegas
“I think Winky is too slick and too hard to hit clean. Winky by decision”
Diego Corrales, WBO lightweight champion
“OH! Call me Homer, but Wright stays out of trouble, dishes out more punishment (and harder punishment) than people expected, stays in Trinidad’s grill all night long and frustrates the Puerto Rican superstar en route to a 115-113, 115-113 and 114-114 nail-biter. Trinidad, of course, says he was robbed.”
John Cotey, St. Petersburg Times
“I think it is a very even fight, but of course I’m going with Trinidad to win the fight, but it won’t be an easy fight for him.”
Miguel Cotto, WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion
“Winky Wright will outbox and outwork Trinidad and win a decision.”
Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press & Author of Fight Town
“Winky is a really smart fighter and I do think he has the style to win that fight, no doubt.”
Oscar De la Hoya, Six-Division World Champion
“Wright W 12. Hopkins showed us how to beat Trinidad. The question is, is Wright a good-enough boxer to replicate it? I think the answer is yes.”
Bill Dettloff, The Ring
“Trinidad split decision over Wright. Tito gets a slight edge because of experience and ring marksmanship in fight that will beg for rematch.”
George Diaz, Orlando Sentinel
“I see Tito taking a decision here. Winky knows every trick in the book, but is not quite the slickster everyone knew and loved (for those of us that even bothered to look his way). The present-day Winky is more willing to stay in the pocket, and therefore is easier to hit. He’ll absorb plenty, but I don’t see Tito blitzing through him as everyone insists will be the case. Winky will give a good account of himself, and show Tito some things in the ring he has yet to see. But ultimately, Tito will find a way to take over and control the fight down the stretch. Trinidad by UD”
Jake Donovan, Fightworld.us
“Trinidad will win by KO in the eighth round if Wright fights in front of him and decides to trade blows in the middle of the ring. However, if Wright uses his discipline and fights outside, he can win by decision.”
Jos Duarte, PuroBoxeo.com
“I’ve changed my mind twice already, but right now I’m leaning towards Winky on points. If he really is strong at middleweight he should be able to stave off the worst of what Tito will be throwing at him and take a close decision, if the judges score it fairly.”
Ant Evans, SecondsOut.com / Boxing Monthly
“Winky versus Tito is going to be a full-out war. Tito has the arsenal to go after anyone in his weight class, but Winky is hard to hit. Defense wins titles, and even though there is no title on the line, I’m going with Winky in a close decision.”
Dennis Evans, KTNV-TV (ABC Las Vegas)
“Trinidad outworks Winky in a corker of a fight. Tito on points.”
Steve Farhood, 2002 BWAA Broadcast Journalist of the Year
“I like Winky in a split decision. Winky is a slick fighter who won’t go marching face first into Tito’s bombs like Mayorga. While Winky is not as savvy as Hopkins, his lefty stance, great defense and ring smarts will frustrate Trinidad. A very close fight that’s not to be missed.Ôáü
Daniel Ferguson, supervising producer, NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”
“My head is telling me to go with Winky over Tito, but I don’t always listen to my own mental advice. No, Winky is no Ricardo Mayorga, but the suspicion here is that Trinidad will be fighting as if his career depends on it outcome. And it may. Let’s go with Tito on points, and by the narrowest of margins.”
Bernard Fernandez, Daily News (Philadelphia)
“Winky by close decision. His ring smarts, his tight defense and southpaw style will frustrate Trinidad and keep him from landing a home-run punch.”
Rick Folstad, TheSweetScience.com
“Trinidad by late TKO.”
Norm Frauenheim, The Arizona Republic
“Trinidad majority decision – Trinidad should have just enough to have the outcome go his way in such a potentially tricky test.”
Scott Fyfe, Sunday Post (Scotland)
“Very tough to pick. Winky Wright by split decision.”
Ron “G-man” Gerrard, American Urban Radio Networks
“Crafty, southpaw Wright is a difficult opponent for anyone, but his defense is built around using angles and blocking punches. If he stays in range of Trinidad he will be worn down by the heavy-hitting Puerto Rican. Trinidad by decision.”
Chris Gielty, thesweetscience.com
“Wright by unanimous decision.”
Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin
“Wright is too cute for Trinidad. And he’ll be strong even at middleweight. Winky will be up against the strongest puncher he’s ever faced. But if he makes it to the final bell — and I think he probably will — he will win by decision.”
Ivan Goldman, The Ring / KO Magazines
“I think the style of Winky is no good for ‘Tito. However, the power of the Puerto Rican, and the division where the fight has been established, favors the former three time world champion. ‘Tito’ by decision.”
Ramiro Gonzalez, La Opini
“Even though Trinidad looked great in defeating Mayorga in his return to the ring, after two years, he will get frustrated by the slick southpaw style of Wright. Wright will “Stick and Move” and counter Trinidad. Wright by unanimous decision.”
Butch Gottlieb, BoxinginLasVegas.com
“Wright, unanimous decision: The best way to prepare for Winky is not to have one fight over the past three years. Trinidad has the power, but Wright will be too slick to catch.”
Tim Graham, Buffalo News
“I think that Trinidad will win a close, but controversial, decision. Winky is talented and experienced enough to shut Tito down for long periods, but The Puerto Rican puncher will display enough effective aggression to sway the judges his way.”
Tom Gray, DoghouseBoxing.com
“The respective styles of both great fighters will make a tremendously exciting fight, one for the ages. Trinidad ekes out a split decision.”
Jeff Haney, Las Vegas Sun
“Felix “Tito” Trinidad will not have a problem dealing with Winky or his style. I think that the Puerto Rican bomber will not be stopped in his quest for revenge. Tito wins this fight and more than likely via the early route.”
Elissa Harrison, BraggingRightsCorner.com
“Winky having unified the title must be full of confidence. Though Trinidad is one of the all-time greats, I feel Wright’s boxing ability will be decisive and expect him to run out with another points’ victory.”
Colin Hart, The Sun (London)
“Winky wins! Wright will smother Trinidad’s best shots and outwork him for the decision.”
Jay Heater, Contra Costa Times
“Trinidad is much more elusive and has the ability to make Wright brawl rather than box. Although Wright hasn’t tasted defeat via knock out, I can see Tito’s power taking its toll on Winky to get a late-round TKO. Sorry Winky, but you still have my respect.”
Benny Henderson, Jr., DoghouseBoxing.com
“Trinidad wins in a close split decision over the talented Wright.”
JD Hernandez, World Wide Boxing
“A true toss up fight. Trinidad is the better puncher, Wright the physically stronger of the two. Trinidad has more firepower, but Wright’s defense is air tight. Wright is the more versatile of the two. He can fight Trinidad head on or move side to side. Trinidad is only effective moving forward. In a great back and forth fight, Wright will emerge the winner on a close decision.”
Jack Hirsch, Ring Sports Magazine
“Wright by decision. Winky’s style will be as complicated for Tito as Mayorga’s was simple.”
Michael Hirsley, Chicago Tribune
“Tito over Winky; hard-puncher will penetrate defensive maestro’s peekaboo mitts with surprising ease. By decision.”
Richard Hoffer, Sports Illustrated
“The key to defeating Trinidad is two-fold: Wright must be able to box and establish a strong physical presence to deter ‘Tito’s’ relentless attack. Although Bernard Hopkins was able to accomplish both to perfection against Trinidad, the feeling here is that Wright won’t be strong enough to earn Trinidad’s respect or stop him from throwing punches in volume. Trinidad’s aggression will enable him to offset Wright’s southpaw stance and his chin, heart and determination should take him the rest of the way. It should be close, but I’ll take a busier Tito to take a 12-round unanimous decision.”
Mike Houser, Nevada Appeal
“The more I think about it the more I feel that this fight goes down to the wire and ends on a disputed decision. Winky is going to give Trinidad a lot of problems, especially with that excellent right jab, but I believe Tito’s harder shots will cancel out Wright’s steady points-scoring style while also catching the eye of the judges.”
Graham Houston, Boxing Monthly
“Wright over Trinidad, unanimous decision. Winky will move enough to frustrate Trinidad. He will also be able to keep Trinidad at a safe distance with his jab often enough to win a close fight on points.”
Keith Idec, Herald News (New Jersey)
“Training in Las Vegas will make Winky feel like Superman. Winky by unanimous decision.”
Kevin Iole, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Trinidad TKO 9.”
Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee
“There is much ballyhoo about Felix Trinidad’s power, but Winky Wright is one of the best pure boxers in the game, and he will neutralize whatever Trinidad brings to the table and win by unanimous decision.”
Michael Katz, The Detroit News
“Even up, you have to like Trinidad, the bigger guy with the better punch. But with Winky almost a 2-1 underdog, I know where my heart and my money are going. Plus, as much as I respect Tito – I have him No. 3 on my pound-for-pound list – I think Winky has a heck of a shot at outpointing him. I just hope the decision is fair.”
Mike Katz, MaxBoxing.com
“Trinidad KO11 Wright. The fight should devolve from a tactical contest into a struggle for survival after about six rounds; at least that’s what Trinidad will have to make happen. Wright has been in range and on the end of more punches lately and against the middleweight version of Trinidad that’s the kiss of death. The key to the fight will be the Trinidad hook behind the left jab and how Wright counters with his power shots. Look for a replay of Hopkins-Trinidad early until Trinidad consistently finds his range.”
Patrick Kehoe, SecondsOut.Com
“Wright W12 Trinidad. Wright uses his jab and boxing skills to win a close decision over Tito”
Steve Kim, MaxBoxing.Com
“Winky by decision.”
George Kimball, Boston Herald
“A draw. Too much money goes down the drain if Trinidad loses….and I’m not just talking about the $$$ bet on fight night.”
Pat Knighton, ESPN
“Trinidad by decision.”
Doug Krikorian, Press-Telegram (Long Beach, CA)
“Winky by KO 11.”
Jeff Lacy, undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion
“Trinidad, KO 10. All’s wrong with Wright in this fight.”
Franz Lidz, Sports Illustrated
“Winky in a decision…..far more difficult target for Trinidad to hit.”
Thom Loverro, The Washington Times
“Winky Wright is a much different fighter then what Trinidad faced in Ricardo Mayorga. Wright has never really garnered the respect he deserves. The jump in weight will not be a factor for Wright and I see him winning by unanimous decision.”
Ed Ludwig, BraggingRightsCorner.com
“I think Winky Wright will put up a good fight, but I’ve got to go with experience. Give a decision to Trinidad.”
Chris Maathuis, KLAS-TV (Las Vegas CBS)
“The Felix Trinidad-Winky Wright bout will be tactical and intriguing. Wright’s boxing ability will give Tito plenty of trouble early and I look for Wright to put several rounds in the bank. However, the difference in power will begin to tell about midway through the fight as Trinidad starts connecting with more regularity. Once Trinidad gets the range and zeroes in, he is tremendously accurate, and that will be the case even with a magnificent boxer such as Winky. I see a fight that will probably be close to even after 8 rounds but Trinidad dominating down the stretch to win a decision.”
Rich Marotta, TV Boxing Analyst / KFI & XTRA Sports Radio (LA)
“Now, is there any boxer in any weight classification with a better curriculum than Felix “Tito” Trinidad? The Puerto Rican puncher, has vast experience in big time fights, has tremendous boxing skills, and, above all hits too hard with both hands. Winky Wright has proved to be a better boxer than most people give him credit for, nevertheless, his excellent defensive skills, will not save him this time. Tito wins unanimous decision. If Winky shows to fight, which I think it would be foolish, he will absorb a beating.”
Efrain Martinez, KINC-TV (Las Vegas Univision)
“Winky Wright gets the best of both worlds, money and prestige. It’s not asking too much for him to pull this one off, but Trinided appears to have the goods. Trinidad on a decision.”
Joe Maxse, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
“I think Trinidad will beat Winky Wright and set up an eventual battle with Oscar De La Hoya in the richest non-heavyweight fight of all time.”
Dave McCann, KLAS-TV (CBS-Las Vegas)
“I like Winky. He was a big junior middleweight so he’ll be strong at middleweight. Trinidad is a come forward fighter but Winky will use his slick southpaw boxing skills to pick Trinidad off. He will win by late stoppage or on points.”
Wayne McCullough, The Ring / Former WBC Bantamweight Champion
“This fight rests on Winky Wright’s ability to weather the storm early. If Wright is around by the fourth round it means he’s survived Felix Trinidad’s best shots. Wright is a smart, slick boxer and solid defender — the type of opponent who gives Trinidad fits. He won’t go toe-to-toe with Trinidad like Ricardo Mayorga and will pepper him with that busy right jab. This is a bad fight for Trinidad. Wright wins by decision.”
Franklin McNeil, Star-Ledger (Newark)
“Winky will start out fast and box well using his speed and boxing skills to take the early rounds, but Trinidad will slow him down with body shots and heavier punches to win the later rounds and take a split decision.”
Gunnar Meinhardt, German Press Agency
“While Mayorga was made to order for Trinidad, Wright is made to order for nobody. However, Trinidad seems to have grown into a full-fledged middleweight and as technically solid as Wright is, he doesn’t have the power to hold off Trinidad’s offensive assaults. Trinidad W 12.”
Bob Mladinich, Boxing Digest / The Fist / thesweetscience.com
“I think Trinidad – being the smarter boxer – will need a couple of rounds to get accustomed to Winky’s southpaw style, and then run away with it! Trinidad by unanimous decision.”
Teddy Molina, 15rounds.com
“Trinidad over Wright by ninth-round TKO. Winky is one of my favorite fighters, but he has never been hit as hard as Trinidad is going to hit him. Wright is difficult to land a clean punch on, but I believe Trinidad is not only refreshed from the time off he took, but probably smarter as well and he will find a way to get to Winky.”
Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News Group
“Winky knows this is his Super Bowl. He won’t let Tito hit him the way he let Mosley hit him in the second fight. Tito will keep coming at Winky and will build up an early points lead, but after a while, he’ll realize he can’t get through Winky’s guard, and Winky, who will have been countering enough over the first half of the fight to keep Trinidad honest, will turn up the pace over the second half. His stiff jab, tight defense, and no-nonsense ring craft mean he will deserve a points decision. Given that Vegas judges like the aggressor, though,he may not actually get that decision.”
Kieran Mulvaney, BoxinginLasVegas.com / TigerBoxing.com
“Winky Wright will box his way to a surprisingly easy decision over Trinidad. Trinidad has always been vulnerable to a boxer with good defensive skills; note not only the boxing lesson given to him by Hopkins, but the way that David Reid was dominating the early rounds against him. Unlike Reid, Wright has proven that he can keep up the discipline and pace to go 12 rounds with anyone. Trinidad will win a few rounds, but there will be no doubt that Wright is the better fighter.”
Steve Nelson, Kuffler News Service
“Trinidad’s spectacular performance against Mayorga obscured the fact that Tito has been an inactive fighter for the past three-plus years. Even for a Hall of Famer like Trinidad, it’s not easy to step back in against a top-flight opponent, especially one who won’t be standing in front of you offering up his chin. The immobile, senselessly aggressive Mayorga might as well have tied a big red bow around his trunks — he was that big of a gift for Trinidad. Winky won’t be in a giving mood. He’s smart, he moves very well (which has always presented problems for Tito) plus he’s got a good chin and nearly fifteen years worth of experience, and hunger. I look for Winky to take a close and somewhat ugly decision.”
Rich O’Brien, Sports Illustrated
“Trinidad KO 10.”
Jorge Ortiz, San Francisco Chronicle
“Tito by decision or late KO. I love his hook!”
Manny Pacquiao, Two-Time World Champion
“Trinidad by 11th round stoppage.”
Tony Paige, WFAN Radio (New York)
“I like Trinidad in four or five rounds. I think Tito’s body punches will do Winky in.”
Jorge Perez, El Nuevo – (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
“Tito late KO.”
Santos Perez, Miami Herald
“Wright by decision. His ringcraft will frustrate and irritate Trinidad into losing concentration.”
Jeff Powell, Daily Mail (London)
“I think Trinidad will win this one impressively enough that people start talking about him beating Hopkins in a rematch, because Wright really has to fight a perfect fight to beat him. And nobody Wright has faced presents any of the problems Trinidad is surely going to bring. He’s just too strong, has too much gas, and too much firepower for Wright to beat him. Trinidad by stoppage in a brutal beating.”
Jason Probst, Maxboxing.com
“It came up tails: Wright to win by decision.”
Pat Putnam, Sports Illustrated Emeritus / thesweetscience.com
“Wright will fight a smart, technical fight using the blueprints already laid out by De La Hoya and Hopkins. He’ll frustrate Tito, who is not used to southpaws. Winky will take some shots, but pile up enough points to pull off the upset. Wright W12.”
Dan Rafael, ESPN.com
“Winky by decision.”
Freddie Roach, 2004 BWAA “Trainer of the Year”
“Viva Winky! Viva St. Petersburg!”
Mitch Roberts, KVBC-TV (NBC Las Vegas)
“Wright will outbox Trinidad for a while but then get caught with a big punch, which will be the beginning of the end for him. Trinidad by KO.”
Michael Rosenthal, San Diego Union-Tribune
“Tito can be out-boxed just as De la Hoya and Hopkins proved, but the question is can Wright last the entire fight without getting tagged with that hard left hook? Wright has been one of the more disciplined fighters in the game for quite some time and he knows what a win over Trinidad will do for his legacy. Fighting in NV I think Wright wins the fight but I expect the cards to be a bit off, giving Wright a split decision victory.”
Mike Samuels, Boxingtalk.net
“Trinidad by decision or late-round stoppage.”
Lem Satterfield, The Baltimore Sun
“The Trinidad-Wright bout is fascinating, particularly from a strategic standpoint, but as much as I love Winky, I think he is
manageable for Trinidad. Bernard Hopkins combined superior technique and strength to wear down Trinidad over the length of their fight. Wright just isn’t that big and his being a technician is not something I think Trinidad, a fine boxer himself, will have a problem with. Some good moments, but Trinidad, if properly focused, should take over in the middle rounds. Trinidad by unanimous decision.”
John Scheinman, Ballroom Boxing / The Washington Post
“Wright is a tough, tough opponent for a fighter who will be fighting for only the second time in almost three years. Wright is a lot smarter than Mayorga and will outpoint Trinidad.”
Ed Schuyler, Jr., Associated Press Emeritus
“Everyone has always said that De La Hoya created the blueprint on how to beat Trinidad. Like with Tyson and others, its one thing for everyone to technically know how to beat an opponent, but it’s something totally different when trying to do it. Hopkins used incredible discipline and focus in his fight with Trinidad. Can Wright do the same? Not after he starts to get hit. Trinidad TKO 10 or 11.Ôáü
Rob Scott, Doghouseboxing.com
“I love Trinidad. He’s too big and strong for Winky.”
Colonel Bob Sheridan, International Commentator
“Winky is a slick boxer, who has surprising power. I’m not sure he’s a legit middleweight. Tito has the edge there and I like him by decision.”
Tim Smith, Daily News (New York)
“Winky has a great defensive style. But there is no defense against Trinidad unless your name is Bernard Hopkins. Body shots, and maybe a low blow, or two, or three will lower Wright’s arms and leave him defenseless. Trinidad by TKO 12.”
Steve Springer, Los Angeles Times
“I have nothing but respect for Winky Wright. He is an excellent fighter. That said, I don’t think he matches up well against Felix Trinidad. Winky will carry the early rounds with his boxing skill, but Trinidad will take over later with his power and strength. Trinidad either wins a clear cut decision, or by a late round TKO.”
Julius Stecker, TalkingBoxing.com
“Tito is past his prime. He will not have enough to hang with Winky. He stops Trinidad in the tenth round.”
Rick Strasser, KVBC-TV (NBC Las Vegas)
“Sure Trinidad looked impressive in his return, but Winky’s light years harder to hit than the wild Nicaraguan (Mayorga). And the Puerto Rican hero has always had problems with opponents who choose not to act as target practice – just refer to the Bernard Hopkins or De La Hoya bouts. Wright’s going to run circles around Felix and win in a unanimous, albeit, somewhat dull decision.”
Tim Struby, ESPN The Magazine
“I see Trinidad-Wright dead even after six tactical and somewhat exciting rounds with Tito landing more punches and the more powerful shots over the last half of the fight to emerge with a close unanimous decision win.”
Tom Thompson, Tigerboxing.com
“Trinidad by majority decision. This won’t be a slugfest. Both fighters will land their shots, and Tito may catch Winky with a bomb or two. Wright’s style will pose an interesting challenge, but Tito can’t get frustrated and will have to use his experience and smarts to get the victory.”
Trae Thompson, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
“Felix Trinidad still has the same power he possessed prior to his retirement. But I am impressed with his stamina and drive. Winky Wright will fight his heart out, but Tito’s power will definitely be the difference. Felix will not be bothered by the southpaw stance of Wright. Winky hasn’t shown me too much power, outside of the Mosely fights, and that will deter his attack. Trinidad by decision.”
Larry Tornambe, Boxingtalk.net
“The difference in Trinidad-Wright will be Wright’s chin and busy style. Winky by decision.”
Jess E. Trail, Doghouseboxing.com
“Mayorga was made for Trinidad. Wright is not. In a close battle, I like Winky on points. Wright W 12.”
Paul Upham, Secondsout.com
“Winky is smart and is staying at middleweight this time but so is Tito which means Trinidad keeps his power. Tito is another fighter who hits like a mule. The hardest puncher Wright has ever met. Tito in seven.”
Huel Washington, San Francisco Sun-Reporter
“Trinidad KO10 Wright. This is a time for Winky Wright to prove to everybody how good he is. It’s just that, he’s going up against the wrong fighter. Trinidad wins by late knockout.”
Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News
“Winky will frustrate Trinidad and win a close decision.”
John Whisler, Express-News (San Antonio, TX)
“Trinidad by late KO: Winky catches too many punches on his gloves, letting the other guy unload. Bad strategy vs. a puncher.”
Johnnie Whitehead, The Ring / KO Magazines
“Trinidad in a split decision. Experience and reputation helps Tito squeeze out a classic.”
Bill Williamson, The Denver Post
“Tito has trouble with boxers: see: De La Hoya and Hopkins, and while Winky isn’t going to stand there and be hit the way Ricardo ‘Please Knock Me Out’ Mayorga was, Winky ‘Don’t Call Me Ronald’ Wright may not be quick enough to elude Trinidad. This should be a great fight, a perfect blend of the sweet science and the power of pugilism. I’ll take the puncher: Tito ‘Where’s Hopkins?’ Trinidad by TKO 10.”
George Willis, New York Post
FINAL TALLY: TRINIDAD 63 / WRIGHT 49 / DRAW 1