It's doubtful that the rural surroundings of Chester, West Virginia have seen the Puerto Rican flag displayed as often or with as much fervor as it was waved on Saturday, April 13. Chester is home to the Mountaineer Race Track and Resort, which hosted David Tua's bout with Fres Oquendo. Felix Trinidad Jr. and entourage attended the bout to support Oquendo, a Puerto Rican American, and trainer Don Felix Trinidad Sr.

"Tito" stayed close to his father and Oquendo, as the two prepared to walk to the ring. He watched intently as Oquendo warmed up on the mitts. The look of concentration in "Tito's" eyes would lead an ignorant observer to believe the three-division champion had never seen the exercise performed before.

While Jr. didn't bring much luck to Oquendo's corner, he did supercharge the Puerto Rican fans in attendance, whose numbers appeared to quadruple with every shout of "PUERTO RICO" that bellowed from Felix's throat.

When Tua stopped Oquendo, Trinidad was among the first to check and see if his stablemate was all right.

Trinidad offered support to Oquendo even in defeat. When David Tua proclaimed Oquendo "Better than (Lennox) Lewis." Trinidad led the crowd in loud applause.

Aside from his disappointment in Oquendo's loss, Trinidad Jr. appeared fit, trim and in good spirits. "Tito" will return to the ring May 11, against former WBC middleweight champion Hacine Cherifi.

It will be the "Tito's" first appearance in the ring since his loss last September to Bernard Hopkins. MaxBoxing.com caught up with Trinidad for a quick interview after the post-fight press conference. The interview was conducted through an interpreter.

MaxBoxing.com: How is your training going?

Felix Trinidad: Very well. I have been working very hard. I'm hungry to win again. And He (Hacine Cherifi) is the meal I'll be waiting to eat May 11.

MB: In comparison to your camps for superfights, how intense has this training camp been?

FT: It has been very intense. Every camp is intense. Every fight is serious. Day after day of running, weight training along with a special diet that incorporates a lot of Vitamin C.

MB: What, if anything, have you done differently in this camp?

FT: I've seen everything there is to see inside the ring, so nothing new, but I have remembered some of the basics, the fundamentals. Running, sparring, I have done a lot of weight training to increase my power. I hit harder now than ever before.

MB: Will Oquendo's loss affect your training and/or focus?

FT: Fres is still a great fighter. He will be champion one day. I came to support my father and Fres. But when it comes time for training and to fight, I will be focused and I will triumph.

MB: Mentally how focused are you to return to the ring:

FT: I want to be champion again. I'm going to make it, there's no doubt about it. I will beat anybody to prove it, whether it be Hopkins or Cherifi.

MB: Why was Cherifi selected as your opponent?

FT: Don King, my promoter handles matchmaking, along with my Father. I will fight anybody, Hopkins De La Hoya, anybody.

MB: How significant is this event to your native Puerto Rico?

FT: It is very important. I have not fought at home in three years. I have wanted to fight there, but it is difficult to do everything you want, especially in boxing. Now I will return to the ring in front of people and they will see that I am still a true champion.

MB: Is it harder to fight in front of your hometown fans, than on the road?

FT: I love to do everything in Puerto Rico. If it were up to me, I would always fight there. But once I'm in the ring, it doesn't mater where the ring is, I will fight and win. Puerto Rico is my country, the ring is my home.

MB: When and if you defeat Cherifi, who do you want next?

FT: I want to be champion, I will face all comers. I will fight De La Hoya, I will fight Hopkins and I will be champion. But first, I will win on May 11.

While Trinidad said he was confident in his son's victory on May 11, Don Felix, did not wish to discuss his son's training camp so soon after watching his prize heavyweight get TKO'd.

Trinidad Sr. simply said (through an interpreter), "We will win, we will be champion again. Felix is still a champion, without a belt."