The war has started. Both de la Hoya and Trinidad are starting the war by bombing each other with words. Oscar said Trinidad was as weak as Ruleas, who was KO'd by dela Hoya in 2 rounds; Trinidad threatened de la Hoya to KO him after 6.

Most analysts are favoring Trinidad to win the match. Being an 'original' welterweight, having more convincing punches plus convincing victories over the opponents that de la Hoya has defeated become the reasons of the analysts to favour Felix Trinidad.

Both have defeated Camacho, Carr and Whitaker. Both could not knock down the old crack Camacho, and both had difficulties in landing his punches when they fought Whitaker, one of the best defensive fighters. In the Carr fights, Oscar TKO him at 11th and he dominated the ring in the previous rounds. Trinidad KO'd Carr at 6th, but he was rocked by a knock down at 2nd round. Those are the mathematical comparison.

Technically, Felix Trinidad is better than Ike Quartey, the hardest opponent of Oscar's so far. Trinidad has more complete punches. His weapons are his short punches, and Oscar must avoid punch trading if he wants to win the fight. This match will be the copy of the heavyweight legendary match Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson 1. Oscar de la Hoya will be the copy of Holyfield who tried to overcome Tyson's bombs, and on the contrary, Tito will act as Mike Tyson who was wild and tried to make a short distance punch trading.

Despite of the technical possibilities, there are non technique factors. I hate to predict this, but there's a big probability of negotiation between Arum's and King's corner to settle the war amicably. There will be a draw, and there will be a rematch, and there will be more money. I predict this, but I never hope this will happen.

Jeff
Sept. 14, 1999