[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FELIX ``TITO'' TRINIDAD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Felix 
``Tito'' Trinidad, an outstanding Puerto Rican athlete, and a very 
successful boxer. On Saturday, September 18, 1999, in the dramatic end 
to the welterweight showdown nicknamed the ``Fight of the Millennium,'' 
Trinidad scored with his punishing right hand and won by a majority 
decision, taking the WBC title from a very talented and worthy 
opponent, Mr. Oscar De La Hoya. The result was a joyful outpouring in 
Puerto Rico and in my Bronx Congressional district.
  Mr. Speaker, on Monday government workers in Puerto Rico were given 
the day off to welcome Trinidad, and entire families turned out, with 
many children kept from school to celebrate. Pounding his heart with 
this fist, Trinidad stood atop a white truck wearing a floppy hat that 
read in English ``Peace for Vieques.''
  The success added the WBC welterweight title to the IBF crown 
Trinidad already holds. Trinidad has now won 36 consecutive 
professional fights. He has held a world title since 1993, making him 
the longest-serving currently active world boxing champion.
  Through his dedication, discipline, and success in boxing, Mr. 
Trinidad has served as a role model for millions of youngsters in the 
United States and Puerto Rico who dream of succeeding, like him, in the 
world of sports.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. 
Felix ``Tito'' Trinidad for his contributions and dedication to boxing, 
as well as for serving as a role model for the youth of Puerto Rico and 
America.

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