Trinidad gets emotional during the post-fight press conference

Written by Ozzie Gonzalez & Mercedes Marrero

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December 4, 2000 -- After a physically and mentally tough fight with "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas for nearly twelve rounds, Felix Trinidad appeared at the "Forces of Destruction" post-fight press conference and broke down in tears.

Trinidad who was accompanied by his father and translator came in and took the podium after a grand introduction by his promoter Don King.  Trinidad gave a very sincere speech talking about how tough Vargas was and that he wouldn't go down easy.

He thanked the media for appearing, especially the Spanish media and started talking about how tough is the sport of boxing.  He continued saying how he knew he was going to win the fight because his heart is to big and he fights for his country.  He gave thanks to his dad and after that he broke down in tears and couldn't speak for a few minutes.

His dad, Don Felix, the thoughtful and gracious man that he is, took the microphone and gave pardon for his son's sudden burst of emotions.

Felix "Tito" Trinidad is a young man under a lot of stress.  He's a gentle giant in a brutal business. Tito carries the weight of an entire country on his shoulders -- Puerto Rico -- and he wouldn't have it any other way.  A country which he takes a lot of pride being a part of and the thought of losing and letting down his country is overwhelming.

Tito is a hero in Puerto Rico and a superstar in many other Latin Amercan countries.   He has beaten all the great fighters in two divisions and has proven he's a true champion.

Papa Trinidad no apology is needed.  We thank you "Tito" Trinidad and Fernando Vargas for giving us the best fight of the year -- and maybe of the decade.

Tito did finish his brief speech and mentioned about going back to Puerto Rico where the governor, Pedro Rossello has a parade and celebration for him.