Mayorga confident versus Trinidad

Saturday's middleweight fight may become the highlight of the boxing year.
NEW YORK (AP) -- With typical hyperbole, Don King introduced Felix "Tito" Trinidad as someone who is loved by everyone in the boxing world.
Well, Don, not quite everyone. That guy sitting about 20 feet to Trinidad's left wasn't exactly enamored.
"Tito has been knocked out ever since he signed that contract," said Ricardo Mayorga, Trinidad's opponent in Saturday night's middleweight fight that could be one of the highlights of the boxing year. "Once a car wrecks, it does not have the same value as before."
Mayorga, the former WBA and WBC welterweight champion, believes Trinidad lost his skills when he retired 29 months ago. To emphasize his confidence about beating the Puerto Rican, Mayorga offered to bet "anyone who wants" $1 million on the outcome of the 12-round bout.
Tap dance on poster
The Nicaraguan even did a tap dance on a poster of Trinidad at Wednesday's news conference and wrote KO next to Trinidad's picture.
"When Tito falls and there is two to three seconds of silence, the only thing you'll hear is the old man [Trinidad's father and trainer, also named Felix] stepping up to the ring," Mayorga said, "to take care of his son."
Mayorga is known for his unpredictable behavior in and out of the ring. A smoker, he often has lit up cigarettes after fights. During bouts, he's been known to drop his glove and stick out his chin, daring an opponent to hit it.
Trinidad, who has 34 knockouts among his 41 victories (and one loss, to middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins), will oblige Mayorga gladly if so challenged.
"Tito is not coming to play in the ring," Trinidad promised. "He's coming to fight and will be hitting very hard [against] any challengers -- even more when they have a big mouth. This is the case even more with Mayorga.
"He doesn't understand with whom he'll be in the ring."