Can Jones stop Tito?

Felix Trinidad battles Bernard (The Executioner) Hopkins in a world middleweight unification title bout in New York on Sept. 15 but fans aren’t as excited about it as what could be the next chapter to an unfolding drama involving the fight game’s best pound-for-pound warriors.

From all indications, the Trinidad-Hopkins survivor will advance to challenge world unified lightheavy-weight champion Roy Jones, Jr. in what looms to be the ultimate non-heavyweight showdown in history.

Jones has run out of big-money opposition in the 175-pound division. The only meaningful foe in the horizon is World Boxing Organization (WBO) titlist Dariusz Michalczewski who boasts a 43-0 record, with 33 KOs. Jones isn’t rushing to face the burly German because he’s still trying to build up the ante for the duel. Besides, it doesn’t look like Michalczewski is willing to fight on US soil and Jones is wary of getting snowed under by the Teutons.

There’s also the disturbing notion that after Michalczewski, nothing is left for Jones to manhandle. Jones’ next fight is against unbeaten Julio Gonzalez and he’s a 20-1 favorite.

Trinidad has moved up in weight twice in over a year. Surprisingly, his power hasn’t diminished. Last week, he was at his deadliest in disposing of William Joppy in the fifth round to wrest the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight crown. Trinidad previously won titles at 147 and 154. At 160, the Puerto Rican showed he can duke it out against bigger boys.

Joppy was no patsy. Before facing Trinidad, he had lost only once–to Julio Cesar Green whom he beat twice over in rematches. Like Trinidad, Joppy looked forward to a megabuck fight against Jones. He said Trinidad wouldn’t be able to compete at 160. Trinidad proved otherwise.

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Clearly, Trinidad has emerged as the savior of boxing. He has brought integrity back to the sport. Fight analyst and Muhammad Ali adviser Ferdie Pacheco said he has long admired Trinidad’s work ethic and devotion to his craft. "He’s a clean-living family man who just trains and fights," said Pacheco.

Other marquee fighters invite distractions. Jones plays in the United States Basketball League and raps. Oscar de la Hoya chases every skirt that sways and like Jones, is into cutting CDs. Lennox Lewis lost his heavyweight crown because instead of training, he was busy filming the remake of "Ocean’s 11." Evander Holyfield can’t seem to tire of finding women to bear his children.

Trinidad, however, is of a different breed. One of six children, he remains close to his family. He has no vices. He has no distractions. His father Felix, Sr., taught him everything he knows in life and is his trainer. Trinidad is happily married to wife, Sharon, and dotes on their two daughters Ashley Nicole, 4, and Leysha, 1.

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To this day, Trinidad lives in Cupey Alto, Puerto Rico–where he was born. He grew up in a working class community where hard work and personal sacrifice are birthrights, wrote Alex Maurice in Latino Boxing. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He wasn’t bestowed with trust funds. His father’s strong guidance kept Trinidad from going down the wrong path that many young fighters travel, said writer Robert Dominguez.

"I thank God I do not have problems," said Trinidad. "My father has showed me (how to behave) since I was a child. I respect my father a great deal."

Trinidad won five Puerto Rican amateur titles in five weight divisions as a teenager. He has now collected world titles in three classes as a pro. Before Trinidad is through, he hopes to add two more belts–at 168 and 175.