Jones Vs. Trinidad January 19, 2008 Preview

Far removed from their prime are Jones and Trinidad. At 39 and 35 years of age, they are recognized as two of the biggest names in the sport today. On January 19th of the new 2008, Jones and Trinidad will collide at an agreed weight of 170lbs.

Roy Jones Jr is one of the great books in the boxing library. Having destroyed almost every man in his path, Jones embarked upon a legacy which will never be forgotten. Until his lost to Antonio Tarver in 2004, Jones went 15 years without a legitimate lost. Yet, despite pushing damn near 40 years of age, Roy Jones still believes he's one of the best fighters currently on the active roster.

Although Felix Trinidad has been inactive for the last two years and of every titan known to man, he asks for the biggest threat in Roy Jones Jr. Trinidad isn't getting any younger either. The last time we heard anything from him, he got pulverized by Winky Wright over an embarrassing and one-sided 12 round contest. A few months prior to his loss to Wright, he knocked Ricardo Mayorga out in 8 rounds. Just three years prior to that, he was dominated and stopped by Bernard Hopkins. Now after his long layoff, Trinidad is making a second return to the ring. This obviously makes for an interesting matchup since both fighters are well beyond the prime and have been scrutinized harshly by boxing media since their decline from the sport.

The Preview

Roy Jones has gone 2-0 in his last two fights since losing to Tarver for a final time in October 2005. Since then, he's scored impressive victories against game competitors in Prince Badi Ajamu and undefeated prospect Tony Hanshaw. Looking at his last matchup against Hanshaw, Jones still showed some of that trademark speed and ability that we've known him for. His quality of movement and ring generalship make him a favorite going into this fight.

Trinidad didn't look too good in his last fight with Winky Wright. Not only did he lose, but the fashion in which he was dominated said a lot about Trinidad's inability to deal with fighters who are a lot craftier. When he fought Ricardo Mayorga, Felix had the more quality fundamentals and the punching power behind it to quiet Mayorga's fierce onslaught. But that was almost four years ago and Trinidad has been inactive since 2005.

Stylistically, Roy shouldn't have too many problems with Trinidad. He has all the advantages and tools neccessary to defeat Trindad. Also, considering Trinidad will be fighting at a weight he's never been, (170lbs) he's fighting in Jones' terrority. How will the extra weight & inactivity of Felix Trinidad affect his ability to perform at this magnitude? Can Trinidad actually match Roy punch for punch? Can he keep up with Roy, can he get close enough to land the big punches needed to slow Jones' attack down? Too many questions, not enough answers.