Hopkins Too Much For Trinidad

By Derek Kellam

30.09.01 - Last night Bernard Hopkins proved to the world that Felix Trinidad was no match for his skills and experience. Not only did he win the fight, he stuck it to Trinidad round after round.finally TKOing Felix in the final round. This fight was so one sided, that at best Trinidad only won the 1st and 6th rounds. Hopkins showed his superior skills by utilizing his speed, quickness, power and grit to their fullest potential. Landing frequently with precision, Hopkins had his way with Trinidad.no, what he did was put on a spectacular clinic. No one could believe their eyes when Hopkins relentlessly got his shots off first and ducking under or moving away from Trinidad's left hook, frustrating the former and brief WBA middleweight champ. At 36 years old very few gave him a chance but Hopkins was so sure of his talent, he bet 100 grand for him to win.after selling ad space on his back. Even after watching this lop-sided display most will be saying what happened to Felix? What went wrong? Not giving Bernard Hopkins his credit.Well I tip my hat off because I saw this coming (Don't count out the 'Executioner' Just Yet, Aug 17 01)

What Hopkins 40-2-1 (29) did do was he followed his game plan from the start.Trinidad 40-1 (33) didn't do any damage to the underdog or land a clean shot. Trinidad was clearly getting more frustrated as the fight wore on. Hopkins fought a very brilliant fight leaving all the naysayers in shock with rocking right hands often sending Felix into a walking stupor. Whether Felix had his mind on future opponents, dollar signs or any other distraction, Hopkins out classed Trinidad. Hopkins was presumed, quite prematurely, to be at a cross roads in his career and he was able take full advantage of that. Now Hopkins can set up a fight with Roy Jones or a rematch with 'Tito', whom he offered the first crack at the undisputed middleweight titles.but after tonight I don't think any of Felix's' corner would be willing to jump on that offer.

Now Felix has suffered his first defeat in an impressive career and he is faced with starting a new chapter in boxing. Should Felix leave middleweight and give De La Hoya 34-2 (27) or 'Sugar' Shane 38-0 (35) a go, since his mega fight with Jones Jr. is out of the question? Nothing is certain for Trinidad.at least for now. As for Hopkins anything is possible as he proved to the world that he is as good as he says he is. He has now successfully defended his title a record tying 14 times. I believed in him then and I believe in him now.they only opponent for him now is Roy Jones. Felix wishes he was fighting that mega fight with Roy, and so does his fans, but like I've been saying from the moment that Trinidad won that questionable decision over De La Hoya.how can anyone dream of Felix Trinidad being a better fighter than Jones when he couldn't make a fight with Bernard Hopkins?

Congratulations Bernard, you deserve this and all the money that goes along with a stunning display of skills and heart.