First off I would like to thank you all for watching the show. It's because you that the show will be a success. Keep spreading the word and I hope you enjoyed the premier.
Wow! Great way to start the show, huh? eheheh I was stunned to see such fighters as Peter Manfredo Jr (#3 in the world), Ishe Smith (#9, #6, and #5), and Tarick Salmaci (once #4). I was also excited to be categorized amongst these types of fighters.
I got along with everybody; it was exciting to know these fighters outside of the ring. I didn't know much about Ishe except we had a tremendous fight. However, I found out he is a Christian who is devoted to his family.
It was awesome meeting Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard, because I got to hang around two legends. One is a legend in the boxing movies and the other is a legend in the real boxing world.
I want to say that the challenge was grueling. Over 100 degrees up a hill wasn't fun. After the challenge I couldn't make a fist because of the strength I did holding on to the log. But thanks the team effort we prevailed and won the first challenge. In the locker room Joey Gilbert said that he was going to put his fate in our hands. However, I saw that he wasn't ready mentally. So I decided to step up and challenge the toughest fighter in the tournament. Even though nobody believed I could win, it didn't matter because I believed in myself. I thought if I can't beat the best, I don't deserve to be in the tournament. I'm not the type of fighter that fights easy opposition and ends up with a 30-0 record taking on easy fights. Even though I have 2 losses, I can say I've fought nothing but tough and worthy fighters.
My family gave me a lot of strength and confidence when they visited me in the locker room. My father and mother are a great inspiration and I'm sure you could see it when I said "Ohhh, someone is in trouble!!" hehehe
. Even though my fighting weight is 143 lbs I felt strong fighting Peter. I have to admit I felt him stronger than my previous fights because of the weight, but never the less I was confident through out the fight. In the second round he got me with a great hook to the top of the head which cramped my whole right side of my body. My leg wobbled and all I could do was cover up and back up to the ropes until I felt recuperated. After about 30 seconds I felt ready again. From the third round on I was sharp and effective. At the end I was tired, cut and beat up, but victorious.
I want to thank Peter Manfredo Jr. for a great fight. He never gave up and gave me his best. I wish him the best of luck in the future. He was a wonderful and beautiful wife and daughter. "Peter, you are a great father and husband, and I'm sure life will compensate you for all your struggles. God bless you and your family."