I saw him defend his title for the first at Great Western Forum as a kid. Against Omar Catari. It went the distance. I was like 10 or 11 years old. I was with my dad and uncle (both now deceased). We were able to meet him afterwards. He wasn't the first fighter I met. But he was the first fighter I shook hands with. He was hella cool. Real down to earth. Didn't seem to mind the million questions coming from my drunk dad and uncle. Seemed to answer them all. I remember they were waiting for him. But he still took the time to acknowledge us. He said being champion was great. But that champion was still only just a word. He's no different than any other person. News of his death saddens me. But I'm glad his suffering is finally over. Hope the next news i hear of him is him being inducted into the Hall of Fame