My Visit to “Sin City”: Final Part.

Like I mentioned before, I had an early wakeup call for Saturday morning, but I really did not need it. My dreams were filled with the “sweet science,” and the excitement had me awake at 5 a.m. By 6:15 a.m., I was showered, shaved, and was ready to embark on my Saturday fight day and night in Las Vegas. I was scheduled to pick up my “fight night” credentials at 9:30 a.m., which was to be followed by a Marco Antonio Barrera-Robbie “Bomber” Peden press conference scheduled at 10 a.m. in the “Media Center.” I arrived at the MGM Grand at about 6:45 a.m. and made my way to a little bar called “Zuri.” I took a seat and ordered something to get some fluid in me. I looked down and noticed that the man sitting next to me had a piece of luggage under him and I immediately thought that he must have been in the same predicament that I was the day before. I started some conversation and it turns out that this gentleman had come all the way from Alaska to watch the Hopkins-Taylor fight. Apparently, he is a regular in Las Vegas and really enjoys boxing. We sat there for a few hours and talked some shop. We went back and forth about who would win and why. The bartenders, which I must say were some of the nicest people I have ever met, joined our conversation and weighed in with their picks for the fight. One in particular told us that a bookie in Vegas is never wrong and had told him that Hopkins should be a huge favorite, but he is not. The bartender heeded this bookie’s word so much that he put $1,000 on Hopkins (YIKES!).

After a lot of chatter with the man from Alaska, it was time for me to pick up my credentials. I figured it was going to take a while so I was at the doors at about 9:20 a.m. Within two minutes, I had the press pass with my beautiful mug on the front of it (hey, it makes for a great keepsake of the fight). I made my way to the “War Room” for the Barrera-Peden media conference, and as soon as I entered, I could smell bacon! YES! As soon as the aroma of food hit my sense of smell, my stomach started to growl. Golden Boy Promotions provided a great breakfast spread, which included bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes, assorted cereals, all kinds of juices, milk, breads, muffins, and fruit salad. There was still about forty-minutes before the conference was to start so it was “and we’re off” on the buffet for me. I must tell you, it was GOOD EATING!

Soon after, the media conference was under way. Several announcements were made, but I will not go into that since all of that information was already reported. Marco Antonio spoke to the assembled media about his fight against Peden (he started in English, but then just decided to stick to Spanish). Robbie was also there and said his piece about the upcoming bout. The “Bomber” is a great guy, who just looks like a born fighter. He was very gracious with us and was funny. Peden sure is a nice guy and one cannot help but to wish him the best. As soon as the conference was over, Peden made his way to the floor and was available for interviews. I took the opportunity to speak to the man from Australia, and was very entertained and impressed by his honesty, humbleness, and respect that he has for the sport. I mentioned the name Juan Manuel Marquez, and he said “Stop there mate. My ribs hurt every time I hear his name (laughing).” Yeah, it was truly great to chat with the IBF 130-pound champion. The session ran a little long, but as soon as it ended, I checked my e-mails from one of the “War Room” computers and made my way back to the casino area of the MGM Grand.

On my way, I ran into Marco Antonio Barrera, who just walking amongst the general public with his children, and other members of his family. Barrera was gracious with every fan, as he would sign autographs and stand for pictures. I took the opportunity and took my picture with the Mexico City legend, which a cousin of his snapped for me. We talked for a few minutes, and I was back on my way to the casino area. I was not sure what to do, since there was not really much more scheduled until 4 p.m., which is when media was recommended to make their way into the MGM Grand Arena, as the first non-televised fights were scheduled to start. At this time, it was about 1:40 p.m.

I made my way back to the “Zuri” Bar since the morning conversation was so pleasant there. Right before I walked in, I turned over to the slot machines right in front of the place and saw legendary cut-man, Chuck Bodak pressing his luck. I always liked Chuck, so I made my way and introduced myself. Bodak looked as great as ever. He talked about boxing and everything else under the sun. I must have spent about thirty minutes just laughing and hearing some stories with Chuck. I had my picture taken with the man, and made my way into the bar. Guess what my friends; the guy from Alaska was back. He did not have his luggage this time, but was playing the slot machines that are embedded in the bar counter. I sat down again, and we talked some more shop. All of a sudden, more and more fans stood around, talking about the fights. It was great. Boxing was completely relevant at the bar and even the staff was coming over and asking questions. People debated about the “pound-for-pound” best of today and who the greatest of all time was. I loved every minute of it as it was like being in a fight fans heaven.

As 4 p.m. drew near, I could feel that blood as it started to race through my veins. The excitement all around the MGM Grand was starting to build as fight conversations all over the casino floor were happening. With fifteen minutes to go, I finished my beverage, told my newfound boxing friends that I wished them well and made my way to the arena. Walking in through the doors, I really felt that it was a night that I would not forget. I made my way to my reserved seat so that I could start to see what kind of vantage point I would have. During my walk, I ran into Emmanuel Steward, Bob Costas, and Max Kellerman. I talked with each one and took some pictures. It was great. Once I reached my seat, I was ready to go to work and record history so that the greatest boxing fans on the planet (of course I mean you), could see what I had seen that night. The fights started and, well, you saw the pictures and the fight on television so no need to go into that. Once the fight was over, I made my way to the “Media Room” for the post fight press conference. Most of you have read what went on in there so no need to cover that either.

Once all of that was done, it was time to enjoy myself in the casino and talk to my friends. No sooner did I think that when my phone rang and it was Anthony. I met up with him, his wife, and Vicente Escobedo’s family members in front of the bar in the casino. We talked and laughed. Several fighters, including Ronald “Winky” Wright, and Felix Sturm, were there so we took the opportunity and posed for some pictures with them. I went with my friends to a post-fight party in the MGM Grand swimming pool area. We got there a little late, but still had some fun and did a lot of laughing. It was already close to 3:00 a.m. when it was all said and done so I thanked Anthony and the rest for their time and made my way back to my room. I sat on the edge of my bed and scrolled through the hundreds of pictures I had taken. Yes my fellow fanatics, it brought a smile to my face, as I just could not believe I had been present for the undisputed middleweight championship of the world and had met so many significant people in this beloved sport of ours. I changed for bed, and was in a coma soon after. I really do not need to go into Sunday because you heard about what happened to me on the “TKO Boxing Show” that was released the following Monday. I have said it before and I will say it again: it is a great time to be a boxing fan!

Contact Sergio Martinez at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com