Promoter King, boxers visit S. Elgin high school

Three of the biggest names in boxing made a surprise, last-minute visit Thursday to South Elgin High School.

Infamous fight promoter Don King and multiple world title holders Felix "Tito" Trinidad and Roy Jones Jr. spoke to about 250 students about the importance of diversity, education and setting high goals -- with a few plugs for the sport of boxing interspersed.

The boxers had planned to speak at East Aurora High School, but school officials there declined the offer at the last minute. A promoter then contacted a staff member at South Elgin to see if the high school would be interested in hosting the boxers, a Elgin Area School District U-46 spokeswoman said.

King announced in August that Trinidad and Jones. would square off in a pay-per-view fight at New York's Madison Square Garden on Jan. 26.

To help promote the fight, Trinidad and Jones have been working as color commentators on international fight broadcasts, including the Juan Diaz-Julio Diaz fight on Saturday at the Sears Center.