His name was Javier Ayala and he was from Los Angeles, in the form of Tijuana. He once had ten rounds with the great Roberto Duran in 1973, went to Los Angeles and also went the distance with Leroy Haley. But this evening at the Silver Slipper in Las Vegas, his main rival event was Bruce Finch, whose claim to fame is that after his third round TKO loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in1982 in Reno, Leonard would be able to repair a retinal detachment surgery.

Entering the fight until he Javierlost six straight and those who are very capable Jerry "schoolboy" Cheatham and Dujuan Johnson and Lou Bizzarro robust. True, he had become a portal through which the prospects, before advancing to the next level.

I was with my brother at that time (I was on a mission near Phoenix and flew to some R and R), but on this July night in 1980 I was alone. After several hours of Black Jack at Bally's and dinner at Kathy's Southern CookingRestaurant, I pursued my true interests of the evening, which was observed at a young lightweight prospect from Youngstown, Ohio with the name of Ray "Boom Boom" Manicini. She won ten consecutive and was the undercard against an eight-rounder Leon Smith who played in the first round with several shots to the liver missed Smith's body that can be heard throughout the hall ….. . …… I was at the forefront in the near field and that sounded like muffled bombs. I was very impressed andeverything else would, on this particular night boxing simply the icing on the cake.

Chris Schwenke fought his first pro fight and won broke through four stages of UD Bill. He would then go on a 14 fight win streak. There was an uneventful six rounder against the attack of Danny Finch-Ayala and Irish Coffey Pat Sanders, Danny won by TKO in the final round. At this point there was a brief pause and I remember this child of about 9 or 10 years, then appeared and wasonly on the back of my seat. I asked him his name and he said he was the son of Javier Ayala. He was shy and very modest. We had a pleasant exchange and said I hoped his father would do well. When the fighters entered the ring, I noticed Javier reached on his son a pat on the shoulder and sent a smile and a wink. The fighters were then introduced with the usual fanfare and prepared the crowd for the main event.

Finch, of Milwaukee, lost, came only three fights and wereVery capable Tommy Hearns, Larry Bonds, and Pete Ranzany. He won 21 and was regarded with lot of pop in his shots. Finch looked much younger than the welterweight excellent shape, while Ayala, age 37, seemed just a little shop worn.

When I burned my Cuesta Rey ………. Fortunately, there was no political correctness in 1980, especially in a mess ………. the combatants received their instructions touched gloves, the bell rang and the fight began.The first two laps were mostly cat and mouse with both fighters feeling each other and get a few decent shots. Finch threw some combinations clean and seemed to be taken over by the end of their second round. In the third round is when it happens. Both fighters were coming out of a clinch and as a set for themselves, Ayala moved to take a telegraphed right cycle. Finch early triggering a short right uppercut, the malignant Ayala to hit his chin. Youthe blow could be heard again in the field of gambling.

Ayala hit the canvas, how would a ten gauge shotgun …….. been taken and that when what was originally a male otherwise pleasant evening entertainment. When he landed on his back, hit his body from his head, then cut the whip canvas. He remained until his handlers hovered just above him and how officials ringside and the referee was quick to revive him. He was unconscious and remained that way 15-20minutes without moving as much as one term. A grave was prepared, the audience was silent, and penetrated a real sense of concern. Everyone feared the worst. Finch, a shot while thrilled with his win, was visibly affected. While all this happens, I glanced at his son standing in the back, and never forget the look on his face or tears to the eyes. I approached him, put my arm around her shoulders and said, "Do not worry, your father will be fine." He shook allabove and was all I could do, so I set.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, it was Javier Ayala scattered amid the applause, but she was raised significantly as well. He left the ring under its own power, albeit uncertain, and it seemed fine. As he was heading to the locker room he stopped and took the hand of his son on his own, and disappeared from sight as he walked into the room. The best word that I was a novice at this moment my pathos witness ……..overwhelming emotion was one of sympathy and compassion.

I never knew what really happened to Ayala but I know that was his last battle. He would finish with a record of 21 wins, 24 losses and a draw. Where is today, or if it could be his secret son still can not answer as fast. My relationship with Javier Ayala remained deliberately unresolved.

As for Bruce Finch, would go in a row before you have stopped by Sugar Ray in 1982, eleven. He would then losesix of his seven fights before his retirement in 1985.

Even today, when I was giddy about some combat or control in a heated debate on boxing in general and the need of a reality, I always think that bad night in Las Vegas ……… what I will leave indelible memories. "In no other sport, the connection between the reader and observer so intimate, often painful, unresolved. – Joyce Carol Oates