Going back to Vegas had a different feeling this time than the previous dozen times I had gone before, where I was either De La Hoya's sparring partner, or fighting the under card of a big fight, or simply the prospect looking for a chance to earn a spot in greatness. This time I was the star. This time I was the big fight (or second biggest fight heehe). And best of all, I had proven that I belong to greatness. =) This trip to Las Vegas was a big transition for me; mentally, physically, and bankally hehehehe I was super happy that my family, friends, fans, and people around the world were witnessing how my dreams became my reality, and how the bad memories of the past became humorous anecdotes.

Anyways, it was an amazing experience. I had many relatives and friends come from Guadalajara, Alaska, San Diego, Oakland, and Los Angeles. I got to Las Vegas a few days before because I had press conferences, press tours, and autograph signing scheduled. It was great seeing the guys again. It was so funny to see them 20 lbs lighter than the last time I had seen them. Anthony Bonsante impressed me the most of how thin he looked. The 16 of us went to a Home Depot to sign autographs and take pictures. We also had an open workout for press and people to see. We had a press conference where posed for as many pictures with fans as I could. It was nice when my family got to the press conference, because my family was wearing my T-Shirts. There was hundreds of people there taking pictures and screaming. The weight-in was the best I have ever been too. Flashes going all around and people screaming my name was amazing. I spend most of my time walking around Las Vegas with my relatives. They were very impressed with the 'celebrity' treatment that they were getting from everybody who worked on The Finale. A lot of people saw me walking around the casino the night before the fight and they all said, "Hey, get to bed man! You have a big fight tomorrow." But I was so excited and full of energy that I couldn't.

I woke up early the next day. I was told that at 12 noon, someone was going to pick me up at my room to go to the locker room, but I was bored and didn't want to wait for noon. I got dressed and decided to show up to the fights. As soon as I walked in the arena the whole crowd began screaming and chanting my name. It was the most electrifying feeling in the world. Before I even got to my seat hundreds of people ran down the bleachers to get an autograph....I WAS MOBED! I must of signed 200 autographs and pictures, until security had to send them back. I was only there for Ishe vs Anthony because during Tarick vs Jimmy I was in the locker room getting ready for my fight. I thought the fight between Anthony and Ishe was going to be closer but Ishe should a lot of power and skill in this fight. Anthony had no choice but to resort to dirty tricks that only resulted in points taken away. I really don't think Anthony is does the things he does in the ring (wrestling, flipping, pushing, fouling) on purpose. I think he is just impulsive and passionate about his victories. Anyway, I think Ishe handled himself like a professional, because another boxer might have foul him back. After the fight I went to my locker room to get ready for the Big Fight!!!! I never get nervous before a fight...EVER!!! But this time I was nervous. I didn't want to lose because millions of people were rooting for me; because my family had flown from Mexico to see me fight and spend their only savings; because I didn't want $100,000 I wanted the $200,000; because I needed a truck; and because my future depended on it.

Read Fight Section for Fight Recap.


After the fight, I had the most amazing feeling in the world. Everybody wanted to shake my hand, congratulate me and best of all, I didn't let anyone down, specially my mother and my father. When the doctor and commissioner came in the locker room the first thing I did was snap the paycheck away from his hand and showed it to my brothers...I had the biggest smile the world will ever see..hehehe well, that is until I win my first million =) The days after I dedicated them to my family and my girlfriend. We went to see the casinos, play games, go in the pool, and enjoy the fruit of victory, which is the sweetest taste I have ever known.