How much was left in the tank for either man?  Not much can be expected, but these type of fights is why prize fighters train for months and discipline themselves without sympathy for one’s body.  The mind must govern the pain for the sake of triumph.  One must be a hard master of one’s self, never pity yourself or make excuses.  The great ones challenge themselves, so when someone else does they are already prepared.

As Round 10 started the capacity crowd was still on their feet in admiration and anticipation.  Both men walked to the center of the ring and Salido sensed his rival was weakened from the last round.  He followed his instincts and pressured forward. At the 2:43 mark he lands a crushing right hook - we see Lopez buckle - a left and right uppercut land cleanly raising his head up - he’s about to go - immediately a smashing straight left hand lands and down goes Juanma!  After 9 grueling rounds, Salido finally drops the courageous Puerto Rican in the 10th.  Admirably he rises from the canvas; his legs look like a toddler learning how to walk, trying to find stable ground.  The referee, Roberto Ramirez Sr., is counting and assessing Juanma’s condition as he stumbles towards him.  He cannot allow Juanma’s pride and willingness to continue sway his decision.  The crowd cannot be taken into consideration nor the country’s pride.  Ramirez must do the honorable thing and stop the fight.  Watch the final sequence of events below....

Orlando Salido has gone into the lion's den and conquered the lion for a second time.  He took the fight out of everyone's hands and controlled his own destiny.  He was ahead in the fight anyway right? Wrong.  Two of the three judges had Juanma ahead by 2 rounds 86-84 and the third judge had it a draw 85-85 at the time of the stoppage.  Unofficial Judge and the newest member of the Showtime telecast, Chuck Giampa, had the fight 88-83 for Salido.  The official judges were in line to rob Salido.  It takes a lot of guts to return to Puerto Rico like Salido did, but those scorecards are the reason why fighters and managers are hestitant to go to a challenger's hometown.  Those type of decisions rob a champion of all his training and dedication.  It would have been a disgrace to watch Salido get robbed after the valor he displayed to retain his title.

I will not comment on Juanma’s statements after the fight, you be the judge of that.  Nothing is more important than what happened in the ring that night.

Juanma in a losing effort proved worthy of holding the belt that Salido now dons on his waist.  It just wasn't his time.  It also proved his ‘questionable chin’ was tougher than his critics had thought.  People are going to be quick to write off Juanma Lopez, but how many men could have endured what Salido was inflicting?  Not many and that's why Juanma deserves recognition and respect.  He is by no means “done” like some are saying already.  He is still a force to be reckoned with because of his punching power.  What he needs to do is go back to the gym and work on his craft.  He stands too tall inside close quarters leaving himself exposed to big shots.  Defense, footwork, and his boxing IQ have room for improvement as well, but this experience can be valuable for his future.  His pride and ego may be as wounded as his body, so naturally his confidence needs to be rebuilt from sctratch.  Management and the people around him are going to be a key contributor to that success.  The right amount of time can heal his body as well as his mind, so hopefully Juanma returns rejuvenated and skillfully improved.  

Orlando Salido on the other hand has cemented himself in Mexican folklore. His name will be mentioned with Salvador Sanchez, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jorge Arce, Antonio Margarito, and Giovani Segura as conquering heroes for Mexico against their arch nemesis Puerto Rico.  He is now the hottest fighter in the heavily stacked featherweight division and there are plenty of fights out there for him.  He was SkilledF.I.S.T.’s "Most Underrated Fighter" in 2011’s annual awards, but he won’t be over looked any longer.

History will remember this fight; and Orlando Salido stands tall at the conclusion of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico’s latest chapter.  Boxing can be a brutal and savage event, but within the turbulent chaos a certain artristry can be seen.  Orlando Salido painted a sweet but barbaric masterpiece for Boxing's gallery to be admired for years to come.  A struggling artist of sorts finally being recognized illustrates the tough journey Salido has experienced; but Salido is a tough man in a tough man's sport and it all seems fitting, the long journey has been worthwhile.