Run 5K with the champ in Caguas, Puerto Rico!

John Scully, talk to us about your charitable work for the World Foundation's second edition.  "Felix “Tito” Trinidad wants to help Puerto Rico by doing a 5K run as he’s done in the past.  A lot of Puerto Rican boxers and baseball players have attended in the past.  It’s not a [competitive] race , it’s just for fun. It’s simply to give people a chance to be part of the festivities.  Last year, everyone had the chance to spend time with Felix Trinidad.  That’s the type of guy Tito is.  That’s the type of heart he has!  Tito is hoping to do this second event bigger than the last time around, and I am here trying to spread the word to everyone!  I would love to see different people from the United States there in Puerto Rico." 

Ivan Montiel: John, there’s lots of snow here in Toronto. Not as much as Montreal but it’s still a lot of snow to deal with (Laughs)

JS: It’s cold and rainy here in Connecticut but yes, I know about the snow you guys get in Canada (Laughs)

IM: Talk to us about your charitable work for the World Foundation's second edition

JS: Felix “Tito” Trinidad wants to help Puerto Rico by doing a 5K run as he’s done in the past.  A lot of Puerto Rican boxers and baseball players have attended in the past.  It’s not a [cpmpetitive] race , it’s just for fun. It’s simply to give people a chance to be part of the festivities.  Last year, everyone had the chance to spend time with Felix Trinidad.  That’s the type of guy Tito is.  That’s the type of heart he has!  Tito is hoping to do this second event bigger than the last time around, and I am here trying to spread the word to everyone!  I would love to see different people from the United States there in Puerto Rico!

IM: The race is planned for June 2, 2019 in Caguas. See www.iamworkingfortheworld.com/eventos/ 

IM: Many people will be interested in attending.  Felix “Tito” Trinidad has a lot of fans, so with him involved, I am sure many people will want to see him in person.  It’s funny how every time I mention Puerto Rican prospects coming up in the sport, many boxing fans still bring up Tito into the conversation.  Those boxing fans who witnessed Tito fight all throughout his brilliant career still remember him and that includes me!

JS: (Laughs) Tito is a special person and I have known that from the previous times I've spent with him.  I have gotten to know Felix Trinidad better throughout the years.  He has told me how he’s always helped out Puerto Rico, he’s just a special person in that way.  Tito reminds me of Bob Marley and how Jamaicans looked up-- and continue to look up-- to Bob the same way Puerto Ricans look up to Tito.  The people listen to these role models.  Tito has a powerful voice which is heard from his Island.  Tito can do good things for the kids in Puerto Rico.

IM: He is a good role model a person who kids look up to.  I am sure parents look up to Tito and from there, their kids begin to have respect for Tito not only for his accomplishments in the ring but also for being a good role model, a good representative for Puerto Rico and for Latinos in general.

JS: Well Ivan I will tell you, the last time I was in Puerto Rico, the people told me the only person who surpasses Tito in Puerto Rico would be [baseball legend] Roberto Clemente [who died on a plane crash bringing food to victims of a natural disaster].  Clemente is an Icon but Felix Trinidad is right there!  Tito is the biggest Puerto Rican Icon that many have ever seen [Clemente died in 1972].  Tito is also the humblest person on that Island.  I have heard his people talk, I have seen it for myself and I must say I am very impressed with Felix Trinidad.  Tito is 100% legit type of guy! 

IM: It’s ironic that we are still talking about Felix Trinidad since the first time I met you, I remember asking you about Tito.  I asked you if I met Tito one day would he be the type of person to sign my boxing collection and you said yes... well eventually I got what I had all signed by him.

JS: (Laughs) No doubt! I know guys who charge for signatures but not Tito!  I remember getting Tito to sign a couple of items for me while I raised funds for Wilfred Benitez.  I was glad for the signatures since a big Tito fan from Boston, Massachusetts bid on one Tito item and is very happy with it!  All that money we raised for Benitez was thanks to Felix Trinidad.  I know a lot of Tito fans like yourself who always want to meet him and like I said to you before Tito will take his time with his fans!  I am really looking forward to being involved with working for the World Foundation second edition.

IM: I know exactly what you mean now.  It was an honor to meet Felix Trinidad.  I am still shocked that Tito signed and talked to me for so long. I even got the chance to interview him,  my favorite fighter next to Mike Tyson.  Speaking of Bob Marley, I should mention I visited Jamaica many years ago and yes, his people still do look up to him.  I felt at peace while visiting Bob Marley’s home.  Let’s not forget Muhammad Ali another great person a role model. I know he is your idol. He was also the people’s champion!

JS: Right.  Muhammad Ali was the peoples champion.

IM: Well John Scully thanks for letting us know about working for the World Foundation second edition I am sure it will be a success!  It’s great to know that you are part of this good cause.  Every time your name is mentioned, boxing fanatics immediately say John Scully is a man who helps out other fighters!

JS: Thanks Ivan I appreciate it.  I am glad to be in this position to help out in any way that I can.  I have seen [ailing former champion] Wilfred Benitez up close and some of the fighters in Connecticut who also need our help.  Felix Trinidad inspires me to help fighters.

IM: It breaks my heart to see some fighters in bad shape and of course Puerto Rico in general needs help because it was hit badly by Hurricane Maria.  I am just glad that you and Felix Trinidad are helping out.  It doesn’t surprise me to see Tito helping out since he’s always looking out for his Island.  Throughout his fine boxing career Tito always mentioned Puerto Rico. He loves his Island.  Last question what’s the date for this great event?

JS: The World Foundation second Edition featuring Felix “Tito” Trinidad takes place June 2, 2019.