There are many ways to lose, and Julio César Chávez was going to suffer one of the worst up until the moment that, heart in his sleeve, he gave it his all: He was either getting a KO or being KO'd. Had it not been for the last bell, he would have walked away in glory from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Working hard to earn it, Sergio Martínez won back the scepter he had lost.

There were 11 rounds dominated by the Argentinean who kept the Mexican boxer busy at all times; but he could not extinguish the fire in Junior's heart and he got close to falling down during a historic 11th round that gave people an entire different perspective.

Instantly brought to mind was the fight in which Julio César, father of the former Middleweight Champ, KO'd Meldrick Talor in the last minute. But it wasn't enough, Junior needed more seconds as the 37 year-old Argentinean was able to finish the fight on his feet. He took home the green and gold belt.

Chávez Carrasco did all he could, he took the punishment and was inches away from accomplishing the feat. He lost the title but gained some credibility, something he barely had before the fight.

"Maravilla" proved his worth, his style kept the champion's defense up all the time taking in all of his blows. He also proved that he is a marvel made of flesh and bones who falls down, gets up, has the pride and acknowledges his enemy's ability.

It was a great night of box in Las Vegas not only for the fight as a whole, but for a round that kept an entire nation on its feet, hoping to see in Chávez the new idol of Mexican boxing.

Translation: Karen.balderas@sandiegored.com