Quick Pics From Vegas Weekend

Scenes from the Mayweather-Marquez fight

There is nothing else that compares to a fight weekend in Vegas. If you love the sweet science, it’s a great atmosphere to be in as you’re surrounded by others who understand your addiction to boxing! Since Las Vegas is only four hours from L.A. you also get a large contingent from our local fight community all converging in the desert mecca.

We set out to join the thousands in attendance at both the weigh-in and fight at the MGM Grand for the Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez bout. The weigh-in on Friday is always fun. It’s free and open to the public–drawing a huge crowd–and you really get to hear the voice of the people.

And for this fight, the people’s champ was clearly Marquez (50-5-1, 37 KOs). With the Mariachi band pumping up the crowd, those in the stands made their voices heard for the 36-year-old “Dinamita.” Cheers for the former featherweight champ were overwhelmingly louder than the Mayweather fans’ applause. Some of the rowdiest fans taunted each other, but all in good fun. No fisticuffs occurred in the stands.

The target weight for the main event was 144 pounds with Marquez tipping the scales at 142 and Mayweather over at 146. The crowd reacted loudly to the discrepancy and it was later learned the “Money” was given a $600,000 penalty.

While sitting with Shelley Williams at the weigh-in, I got a chance to catch up with the busy fight promoter, manager and promoter. Williams has dedicated many years through her involvement with boxing. We first met over a decade ago when Charles “Doc” Broadus was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. The former IFBA commissioner is a pioneer in female boxing and currently works in Vegas with trainer Thell Torrence. It may always be a “boys’ club” in boxing, but we girls love the sport too! Shelley is one woman who has certainly made strides in the world of pugilism.

Heading out of the weigh-in, you always run into a lot of familiar faces. I see trainer Joel Diaz there. His brothers, Julio and Antonio both box. Joel is a top trainer in the Palm Springs area; his star pupil is champion Timothy Bradley. I also stop to meet a popular radio DJ from Burbank, Big Boy from Power 106 (“Where hip hop lives”). As we pose for a quick pic, I put up my fist (it just comes automatic now, I can’t control it!). Big Boy laughs, he thinks it’s funny and asks to see the photo. We also pass by Floyd’s trainer and uncle, Roger Mayweather (who flashes me a peace sign) and former junior lightweight champ Cornelius Boza Edwards.

I notice a swarm of people gathered around someone so I go and check out the scene. It’s Vicente Escobedo. The good-natured lightweight takes time to sign autographs and pose with fans. He’s patient with everyone and seems like a great, down-to-earth guy. Another well-known good guy in boxing is Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. I introduce him to my sister; he gives her a hug and says he wants to pose with her. Tommy is a first-class act and is one of those rare legends who’s still humble throughout his fame.

If you collect boxing memorabilia, big fight weekends would be a haven for you. The friendly Tecate girls hand out complimentary posters, mini boxing gloves, golf towels, miniature banners, beads and more. The gals are always so nice, and one tells me she recognizes me from the L.A. fights. Ring magazine also has a photo op booth set up onsite where you can pose with two young ladies and a championship belt. There’s even a beer can with the mugs of Mayweather and Marquez both peering back at you from the side of the aluminum. And for $25 a pop, you can also buy the official fight T-shirt.

A group of us then decide to meet up at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville down the Strip. We take the Monorail and we’re there in a jiffy. The restaurant is lively and a nice place to unwind with friends. For you Parrotheads, it’s the only place to enjoy your “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” You can listen to Buffet tunes and watch a girl swim in an oversized cocktail glass. You forget you’re on the Vegas Strip while in this tropical eatery.

Since I’m with other boxing writers and photographers the majority of our conversation is always about the squared circle with everyone adding their thoughts about the upcoming match ups. After the first Margarita is downed, a festive pirate on stilts makes balloon hats for all of us. The colorful, rubber creations are silly, oversized and ridiculous, but after sipping the potent beverages it seems like a good idea at the time and we wear them with pride!

Saying goodbye to our amigos, we go back to our room at Caesars and look forward to the fight day ahead.

On Saturday, I go with my sister to a fun Hawaiin buffet and luau at the Imperial Palace. We carbo load in anticipation of the Mayweather vs. Marquez bout and the lineup of exciting undercards.

Walking into the Grand Garden Arena, it’s already super crowded. A lot of attendees are dressed to impress and it’s always a delight for “people watching.” Some of the ticket holders also outfit themselves in honor of their favorite fighter, so we see a lot of Marquez fans with Mexican flags draped around their bodies, face paint and sombreros. It all makes for an energetic atmosphere. I love soaking up this atmosphere–the energy, the pace and the spirit. It’s the nervous anticipation: Are we going to see an instant classic? A lopsided victory? A shocking upset? A snoozefest? That’s the beauty of the sport we love–anything can happen in boxing.

Taking our seats, we meet a young female fighter from Denver and chat with her during the undercard action. She’s 21-year-old Maria Altamirano. She started off her amateur career with a bang becoming the USBA State Champ and a Golden Gloves Champ. Maria’s next fight will be in December; she’s in school right now as a biology/pre-med major.

Boyfriend Ozz Camara tells me he’s extremely proud of her ring career and they have hopes of Maria going to the 2012 Olympics. Ozz laughs and also says he hasn’t been “allowed” to watch her fights yet, “She gets too nervous and doesn’t want me to watch. But I know she’s great!”

The couple traveled from Colorado because they are huge Juan Manuel Marquez fans. They (along with thousand of others) are hoping for an upset. Even though Marquez is a long shot to win, his fans are not going up hope now.

Featured in the preliminary fights is a Cornelius Lock-Orlando Cruz bout. Lock, from Kronk Gym, is very impressive in his win, a TKO in the fifth of a schedule ten rounder. Next up are Michael Katsidis and Vicente Escobedo, who battle each other in a split decision victory for the Australian Katsidis. The audience really enjoyed this fight, getting their money’s worth in the action.

The Chris John-Rocky Juarez fight was a rematch (their February bout was declared a draw). This time, Indonesia’s “Dragon” Chris John heard his name announced as the winner by unanimous decision (119-109, 117-111, and 114-113). Juarez came on strong, wobbling John in the last round, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

And then it was time for the main event.

Will Mayweather prove he is the pound-for-pound King? Well, days later we all know the answer to that question.

But on Saturday night, thousands of fight-goers still believing in the underdog yelled their loudest to try and rally lightweight champion Marquez. The majority of fans seemed to be in favor of Marquez with cheers erupting whenever their hero was shown on the big screens. While the two warrior were filmed in the dressing room and entrance tunnels, the crowd booed “Pretty Boy” Floyd (40-0, 25 KOs) every time he came on screen.

When you watch the HBO PPV broadcast, you have the luxury of hearing commentary and seeing instant replay with close-ups and slow-mo shots. When you are in the arena–with over 13,000 people–it’s a very different experience. There are the big screens to watch the action too, but the only live commentary you hear during the fight is from the fans.

During the next 12 rounds, Mayweather Jr., 32, showed the world that the long layoff did not affect him, at least not in this fight. After he knocked Marquez, 36, down in the second round, the air was sucked out of the arena. But just like Juan Manuel himself, his fans never gave up hope. Still cheering for the “little engine that could,” his legion of loyal believers alternated between various chants of “Olé, Olé, Olé, “Marquez, Marquez, Marquez!” and finally “¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, we can!).

The gentlemen behind me was scoring the rounds and asked everyone’s opinion after each stanza ended. The “aspiring Harold Lederman” and rookie judge scribbled down his end score of 117 to 110 for Mayweather, of course. He wasn’t too far off from the official tallies of 120-107, 119-108, and 118-109 from the three ringside judges.

After the fight, on our way to meet up with some friends we spot actor Mark Consuelos (husband of Kelly Ripa) and their cute son, Michael. I then see a posse of bodyguards rushing by and glance over to see Sean Combs (better known as “Diddy”) making his way out of the building. The hip hop mogul is surrounded by well-wishers so it’s no wonder why he employs a few hefty bodyguards. He has the “Midas Touch” with his music and fashion empire, and I shake his hand as he struts by. Maybe success is contagious…When I make a billion dollars I’ll let you know!

We also see beloved Mexican champ Ricardo “Finito” Lopez who is swallowed up by the adoring crowd. “Vicious” Victor Ortiz is also a fan favorite and stops to pose with his several of them. And then I hear shouts of glee and see everyone rushing across the hall. I think to myself, is it Mike Tyson? Magic Johnson? The wrestler Triple H? An A-list actor?

It’s the one and only Piolín! The Mexican-American radio personality co-hosted Friday’s weigh-in and after the fight on Saturday night, he was mobbed by his fans. They love him. I think he got the biggest reception of everyone I saw the whole weekend!

Our group then stops to visit with boxer Alfredo “Perro” Angulo, trainer Clemente Medina and Cesar Hernandez (father of fighter Jesus “Pollo” Hernandez). Angulo will be fighting in November and while he met with fans, we chatted with his trainer. Medina has a strong stable of prospects and contenders out of the Maywood gym in Southern California. He is a popular fixture in both amateur and pro boxing. And if he had more free time, Clemente also could embark on a second career as a singer. Medina recently performed on stage for a sold-out room and our talk turned to his love of crooning. The respected trainer is planning a surprise during the Chris Arreola-Vitali Klitschko clash taking place this weekend in L.A. So if you’re going be at Staples Center, listen up for a familiar voice.

After a Starbucks break and a quick rehashing of the night, we are exhausted and head back to our hotel. While most of the people we spoke with are disappointed with the uneven matchup of Mayweather-Marquez, the undercards help make it a fun fight night. It’s the weekend and it’s Vegas, so how can you complain?

On the way out, near the infamous MGM lion that sits in a boxing ring near the front lobby, holding court is a small boy doing his own shadowboxing workout. He’s very serious about his craft and a large crowd gathers to watch the cute little slugger. Only in Vegas!

On Sunday morning, the routine is to take a small break from boxing. We stroll up and down the Strip and check out various casinos, even catching a new show called “Matsuri.” It’s a Japanese version of Cirque du Soleil. Sitting for an hour and 15 minutes in the dark theatre, it’s the first time I’ve settled down during the entire trip.

Arriving back at our room, we head down to the pools at Caesars Palace. The spacious area is called the “Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis” and it’s a sunbather’s dream. You can really unwind poolside, it’s so relaxing. After wading around the circular Temple Pool, we go check out the private Venus Pool Club. It’s very Euro, hot temperature, cool atmosphere. And when we enter the premises a spirited volleyball game is underway. The Venus Pool is topless for those who prefer to go au naturel, and half of the women do so. No cameras allowed, sorry guys.

While reclining under the desert sun, my mind wanders.

Now that the Mayweather-Marquez fight is over it’s back to L.A. Back to reality…And more boxing!

Fight Night Club in downtown L.A. is Thursday, the Chris Arreola vs. Vitali Klitschko heavyweight battle is this Saturday and everyone’s already talking about the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto slugfest in November.

Just two more months and I’ll be back in Vegas! Already looking forward to it.

See you at the fights!

Photos courtesy of Michele Chong