Expert: Lian Shoemake - 5/18/2004

Question
Now that Roy Jones has lost do you think Felix Trinidad would have been able to beat him at this stage in Roy's career

Answer
Hi Jim,

Thanks for the question.

First off, I'm biased because I was a huge Trinidad fan during his career (as opposed to his current comeback), and I would like to THINK he could have caught Jones with a similar shot. In reality, though, you and I both saw Oscar de la Hoya box circles around a prime (though weakened) Trinidad for the better part of 12 rounds, and Bernard Hopkins completely mastered Tito, eventually stopping him late. Neither Hopkins nor De la Hoya ever took a clean, hard "Tarver-like" shot from Trinidad, and Jones is much quicker and more athletic than both, even now.
My guess would be that Jones could fight a "safety fight" vs. Trinidad, and virtually shut him out, or, if he chose, could even put a beatdown on Tito and stop him. I must also say, though, that I would not have thought Tarver would have caught Jones with such a shot, nor would I have considered that a Tarver punch would totally take Jones out, either.
If Tito did manage to crank up a monster hook and land it cleanly, I'm sure he could get rid of Jones, too.
I just don't think he'd get the chance, especially since Jones is well aware of Trinidad's awesome power.

Thanks again for the great question, Jim :)

Regards,
Lian