Three years ago, Tony was my favorite fighter. No one could stalk, stun and close like the Tornado. The Cotto fight was electrifying. My God, he literally ran after his opponent once he had him ready. I have rarely seen that in a fighter. He was also known on the streets of Southern Cali and in Northern Mexico as one very “BAMF.” In street parlance vis-à-vis boxing, that is a great compliment.

This aura was shattered away by the hand- wrap scandal and so was my admiration, though I didn’t quite share the level of white hot rage and hatred that was out there.

This past Saturday he was asked between the 11th and 12th rounds whether he wanted to continue, His response was something to the effect: “No, no” ‘I’m ok, don’t stop it?” At that point, the man gained a degree of redemption (however small) in my eyes. Once again, he had earned the street accolade of being a “BAMF,”and that has got to count for at least something.