By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with Puerto Rican media outlet Endi , former multi division champion Felix "Tito" Trinidad advised Oscar De La Hoya to retire.
Trinidad was once again asked about facing De La Hoya in a long awaited rematch, and once again Trinidad said the fight has to be at 160-pounds. Although he is open for a rematch at 160, he would rather return to the sport as a promoter.
"I never have ruled out the idea of being a promoter. I have had another conversation recently and I've been speaking about returing in that role (that of promoter)", Trinidad said.
Trinidad would not reveal the name of the individual that he spoke to with respect to a promotional role, but his words seemed to hint at Oscar De La Hoya and his company Golden Boy Promotions, and someone else at the same time.
"He is in the industry of the boxing, as much here (Puerto Rico) as he is there (United States)," Trinidad said. "But more here than there."
"I know that they (the fans) all want me to return, but for me weighs more the people that want to see me well and tell me not to fight anymore", Trinidad said
The one thing Trinidad does not want to become is a fighter that retires, only to continue returining to the ring.
"I think first about my health and also a person must have his word. I retired and I returned to fight with Ricardo Mayorga. If I return again, the public is going to think, 'Tito is just another fighter that says he will retire and returns to fight again'. I owe respect to my fans."
"I know that if this didn't happen in all these years (Trinidad beat De La Hoya by majority decision in 1999), then it will never happen now. I am sure that we will never reach an agreement. I don't have to fight him or anybody else. But, if he says that he will fight me at 160-pounds, I will give it some thought. De La Hoya has done it all... six championships, promoting, made a lot of money. He should retire."
Translation by Mark Vester. Send News Tip and Comments to Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com
