From the archive · February 10, 1996
Felix Trinidad vs Rodney Moore
IBF World Welterweight Title · MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA
Record 27-0-0 · 147 lb
Record 37-9-2 · 147 lb

The fight
On February 10, 1996, Félix Trinidad, the undefeated IBF World Welterweight Champion, stepped into the ing at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to face Rodney Moore in his eighth title defense. The event, promoted by Don King Productions and broadcast on Showtime, was a highly anticipated matchup between two fighters with contrasting styles.
Trinidad, known for his aggressive and powerful approach, was looking to continue his reign as one of the top welterweights in the world. Moore, a seasoned fighter from Philadelphia, had a reputation for being durable but was facing a formidable opponent in Trinidad.
The fight began with Trinidad asserting his dominance from the opening bell. He methodically cut off the ring, using his jab to control the distance and set up powerful combinations. Moore, despite his experience, struggled to cope with Trinidad's relentless pressure and precision punching. By the third round, Trinidad had already begun to take control, landing a hard right that bloodied Moore's nose. This marked the beginning of the end for Moore, as Trinidad continued to pour on the pressure in the fourth round. Two knockdowns in this round left Moore reeling, and his corner wisely decided to pull him out before the start of the fifth round to prevent further punishment.
Trinidad's victory over Moore was typical of the power punching performances that had been thrilling crowds since his professional debut. At just 23 years old, he had already established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
The Moore victory improved Trinidad's record to 28-0, with 24 knockouts, further solidifying his position as a dominant force in the welterweight division. Moore, on the other hand, suffered his tenth loss, but his decision to stop the fight early likely saved him from a more severe beating.