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Before 1980, it was universally recognized that Carlos Ortiz was the greatest fighter in Puerto Rican history, but a lot has happened since then and two other Puerto Ricans have etched their places in the annals of boxing history; Wilfredo Gomez and Felix Tito Trinidad.
Both fighters had long distinguished careers and both of them set a number of records. Trinidad was the longest reigning Welterweight Champion in history, surpassing the mark set by Freddie Cochrane in World War II. Tito made 15 successful defenses during the course a reign that lasted over 6 years. Even though he won the title from the ordinary Maurice Blocker, he made a number of defenses against quality competition.
Ninety-four was definitely the most impressive year of his title reign. He successfully defended his title against Hector Camacho, Yori Boy Campas, and Oba Carr. Combined they entered the ring with a 130-2 record. After that stellar year, Tito’s career went into the doldrums, promotional problems and the political turmoil between King, HBO, and Main Events stalled Trinidad’s career and he made a number of defenses against nondescript opponents, which included Rodney Moore, Roger Turner, Larry Barnes, Kevin Lueshing, Ray Lavato, and Freddie Pendleton. Tired of waiting and having trouble making the Welterweight limit, Trinidad signed to fight Terry Norris in the summer of 97 in what surely would have been a barn-burner. Unfortunately Norris broke away from King and signed with Arum in hopes of landing a seven-figure payday against Oscar De La Hoya. So instead of fighting Norris that fall Tito knocked out Aussie Troy Waters in one round in what was supposed to have been a 154-pound title eliminator. [details]
Both fighters had long distinguished careers and both of them set a number of records. Trinidad was the longest reigning Welterweight Champion in history, surpassing the mark set by Freddie Cochrane in World War II. Tito made 15 successful defenses during the course a reign that lasted over 6 years. Even though he won the title from the ordinary Maurice Blocker, he made a number of defenses against quality competition.
Ninety-four was definitely the most impressive year of his title reign. He successfully defended his title against Hector Camacho, Yori Boy Campas, and Oba Carr. Combined they entered the ring with a 130-2 record. After that stellar year, Tito’s career went into the doldrums, promotional problems and the political turmoil between King, HBO, and Main Events stalled Trinidad’s career and he made a number of defenses against nondescript opponents, which included Rodney Moore, Roger Turner, Larry Barnes, Kevin Lueshing, Ray Lavato, and Freddie Pendleton. Tired of waiting and having trouble making the Welterweight limit, Trinidad signed to fight Terry Norris in the summer of 97 in what surely would have been a barn-burner. Unfortunately Norris broke away from King and signed with Arum in hopes of landing a seven-figure payday against Oscar De La Hoya. So instead of fighting Norris that fall Tito knocked out Aussie Troy Waters in one round in what was supposed to have been a 154-pound title eliminator. [details]
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