(JULY 3)  Emiko Raika's arrival in Las Vegas is a dream come true, one that she never expected to materialize. From the time she began boxing it was this city she saw herself boxing in, this city she wanted to see her accomplishments....and now as she readies herself for the performance of her life she is excited and anxious. "It was always my dream to fight in Las Vegas, I never expected it to happen. I will put all that I have into this, all that is in my heart. I will give all, 100 percent".

When Raika began boxing in Japan, it was not well received, people asked her why are you boxing? It wasn't really acceptable. It didn't really matter, she had a love of boxing in her and she continued in spite of the opposition. After a time Raika discovered that there was a new found respect for her dedication to the sport. There is a desire in her heart to change opinions and break down barriers for other women, and she feels that she has made headway. Raika's desire to box comes from her heart, it is an expression of who she is....her inner strength. What matters most is how she feels about the lessons she has learned in this process. The losses? They are in the past, they are not who she is now.

When she lost to Layla McCarter seven years ago in Japan, she equated herself to a boxer in elementary school. Now, she equates it to college...she has come a long way, smarter, better and ready to take the belt back to Japan.

Now there was one more question I had, I was a little confused on what the meaning of "Fujin" stood for. I had seen it written on a lot of the paperwork but didn't know what it meant. Turns out it is her ring name and it means "Wind God" ...beautiful really. So I delved a little deeper and the closest I can get to explaining to you how to apply this is, once she enters the ring, expect a Tornado!