As advertised... Tito is back with a vengeance!

Felix Trinidad's return to boxing was a "tour de force", an impressive display showing beyond any doubt that his boxing skills, power and ringmanship remain intact. He looked sharp, in great shape and in total command on his way to an 8th round TKO victory over Nicaraguan wild man, Ricardo Mayorga.

Granted, Mayorga brings lots of bravado, aggresiveness and determination... but not much else. Still, Tito was able to evade Mayorga's wild and vicious attacks moving well and most of all, gaining Mayorga's respect with his powerful and accurate punching.

Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins was at the event at Madison Square Garden where he was promptly greeted with thunderous rounds of boos an hisses from the more than 10,000 strong Puerto Ricans and Nuyoricans in attendance (total attendance was in excess of 17,000).

Hopkins was unimpressed and fearlessly displayed his trademark execution gesture to the throngs of "Boricuas" hungry for a rematch with their pride and joy, Tito.

It was an absolutely electric fight from start to finish, highlighted by a memorable first round. Both fighters came out to make an early statement and both had flashes of brilliance. End result: a sophisticated New York City boxing crowd on their feet in only the first round!

Fireworks, unpredictability, power, excitement, macho bravado kept the crowd from using their seats much... but at the end of the day, Tito's superior technical skills and accurate punching paved the way to victory for the Puerto Rican superstar.

The tiny group of Nicaraguans on hand, folded their flags and quietly accepted their fighters fate. Nothing be ashamed of in regard to Mayorga's display on the ring. Tito crushed Mayorga with devastating punches, but the Nicaraguan fought back valiantly and fairly. He never surrendered getting up 3 times, until he could not get up any more.

Perhaps after this exemplary beating, Mayorga will learn to have better manners, quit smoking and treat others, including women, with more respect. That would do wonders for his image and who knows, it may also make him a better fighter.

Give both men credit for bringing back excitement the sport and for putting on a great show.

Until next time.

Ciao.

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