Neat Moments, Showtime Event Recap & Day 1 of my Diet

There have been a few moments over the course of my career in boxing where I realized it was time to stop, take a breath, and take it in.  I had one this weekend so I thought I'd share the top three that came to mind today. 

1.  Ray Beltran:  "I have been waiting my whole career for this."  

I have known Ray since probably 2007.  I was training at Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix, and we became friends.  When I got more involved in the business, I began working with him.  In April, 2014, he was coming off a devastating robbery in Scotland, where the judges inexplicably scored his one sided beat-down of Ricky Burns as a draw.  He faced, and had beaten Arash Usmanee on the undercard of Pacquiao-Bradley II.  I was there in the dressing room, not doing anything particularly useful, aside from taking photos of him for his social media account. 

After the main event, we were due at the post-fight presser, and security got together about twelve guys to rush us over there, all holding on to one another... it was crazy, all the fans trying to take photos and grab Ray. We took some underground tunnels so we could make the presser on time. 

After the presser, security asked if he wanted to go underground to get back to his hotel room...Ray looked at the guy and said "No, I've waited my whole career for this," and we made the trek back to the MGM Signature upstairs as a big crowd surrounded Ray. I kept getting pushed back so I grabbed a couple photos and took a moment to enjoy watching it all unfold. He was so happy, and as his friend I was happy for him.  

2.  "Put in your notice."  

I worked a day job the first four or so years I was involved in boxing.  It was tiring, frustrating, and difficult on my family. One day I threw up my hands, lamenting the sacrifices I'd made for what seemed like nothing. I had worked for Iron Boy for a couple years, and had been helping Cameron Dunkin for a while, but it wasn't quite enough to leave... 

I was in Las Vegas for a fight of Junior's in March 2014, and I got the call. "Put in your notice."  I had finally been able to make the transition from a boxing part-timer to a full time boxing person.  It isn't easy, and there has been a steep learning curve, but I'm learning from some of the best in the business.  I literally had a 'pinch me' moment. Like...wait, am I dreaming this?  I said something stupid like this to Jose and the other Team Benavidez folks that were at restaurant we were eating at when I got the call. 


And that brings us to this weekend...

3. Showtime Boxing in Phoenix

Anyone who knows me knows that I see Iron Boy Boxing as my baby. This past Friday night, we wrapped up our third show in 28 days (doesn't sound like a big deal but we have a small staff, and it was a rough month) with a Showbox: The New Generation event at Celebrity Theatre. It was a co-promotion with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing and Greg Cohen Promotions (who were all a pleasure to work with).  It was kind of a tough night.  We had some snafus with some media seats that were sold, and there were new rules and procedures with working with Showtime for the first time.  Right before 'go live,' there was a rush to get a bunch of stuff done.   I had this moment down in the Celebrity Theatre green room... I felt like my nine year old when she has a caffeine crash.  I felt stressed and overwhelmed and started to feel a little emotional.  I'm a cryer. It was 7:30 p.m. and I looked up at the TV monitor as the Showbox broadcast began, and there were Steve Farhood and Raul Marquez...there, in between them on the corner post and on the rope covers, was the Iron Boy logo.  I checked my phone and a couple friends texted and tweeted that they saw it...and I took that moment... I teared up a little and felt proud that we'd reached another milestone. I wasn't going to have that moment alone...Johnny Murato walked in and when he asked if I was okay, I made a little fool out of myself trying to explain myself, but whatever. I am who I am. 

I have been sort of wondering what would be next in my career boxing wise, and now I know. I have a one year plan... and you'll see it all unfold here. The next step in the plan requires that I get back in shape, so I begin once again the arduous task of losing weight. I'm trying to have a good attitude about it, since, even if my plan doesn't work out, it's something I need to do anyway for my family. I started the diet today...meeting with the trainer and another person who will be helping me tomorrow.  I guess I don't feel ready to let that cat out of the bag yet. Maybe later. 

One last and final thought in this super way too long blog post:

I am more annoyed at Caitlyn Jenner being named Glamour's woman of the year than I am about Rhonda Rousey being on the cover of Ring.  That being said, I don't feel strongly enough about either to take a lot of time explaining it or arguing it.  Maybe I'll make a list of more suitable women of the year... I don't know.  

Have a great rest of your Monday.