Mayorga: I'll knock Tito out in nine

(New York, NY) – If Wednesday's final press conference at Madison Square Garden was any sign of the type of WAR ensuing between three-time world champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad and former welterweight king Ricardo “El Pollo” Mayorga, all indications are that the sold-out, filled-to-the-rafters crowd will most assuredly be getting their money’s worth – and then some.

After plunking down hard earned money to watch a strategically fought Hopkins vs. De La Hoya, then witness the Roy Jones debacle, Saturday night's “Back with a Vengeance” fightcard promoted by the extraordinary Don King and seen live on HBO pay-per-view will give the action-starved boxing fan all he (or she) can handle!

Along with the mega-fight return of superstar Trinidad taking on the always dangerous and unpredictable Mayorga, two additional title fights will be included.

Brooklyn's own Zab “Super” Judah (31-2, 22 KO's), the current WBO international welterweight belt holder, will put his title on the line against tough Wayne “Wawatae” Martell (24-2, 15 KO's), while undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion “Tremendous” Travis Simms (23-0 with 18 KO's) will look to stay perfect against troublesome veteran and former WBO champion Bronco McKart (47-5, 31 KO's).

While both Trinidad and Mayorga have made it clear there is no love lost between them, the Madison Square Garden press conference – complete with each fighter's guarantee of a knockout victory and both signing a $100,000.00 contractual wager for the winner – revealed the utter disdain and enmity towards one another.

The tension and emotions peaked when Mayorga took the microphone and, through his interpreter, chastised Trinidad Sr. (Felix's father as well as his trainer) for allowing his son to take this dangerous fight.

“You (Trinidad Sr.) will have to go to a psychiatric ward after I get done with your son”, screamed Mayorga, “The first thing he (Tito) will see when he wakes up from the knockout is his old man”.  Mayorga then revealed a Trinidad poster which Mayorga had inscribed “KO 9” over the face, and proceeded to throw the poster to the floor and stomp on it while gesturing to Tito and all the Trinidad camp.

Trinidad's trip to the podium was just as heated and drew overwhelming support from the predominantly larger Trinidad entourage, requiring extra security to ensure the brawl was averted – until Saturday night, in the Madison Square Garden arena.

The Trinidad vs. Mayorga “Back with a Vengeance” pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on Oct. 2, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View ($49.95).  For more event information, log on to www.HBOPPV.com.

Mike Indri is the New Jersey State representative for the Retired Boxers Foundation.