By Miguel Rivera

According to Jesus Soto-Karass (28-13-4, 18 KOs), his 17 years as a professional boxer will come to an end on November 8th, when he faces undefeated prospect Neeco Macias (17-0, 10 KOs) in a super welterweight clash at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio.

"Whatever the outcome, a defeat, a victory or a draw, I will say goodbye to boxing," said Soto-Karass to Eduard Cauich.

The idea of retirement was already on the mind of Soto-Karass since last year's knockout loss to Juan Carlos Abreu.

Soto-Karass has faced a who's who of tough opponents through his career - such as Devon Alexander, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Gabe Rosado and others.

"When I tell people that I'm leaving, like every human being with feelings, I'm going to start to cry. I'm 17 years old in boxing, saying goodbye to something, it's hard, it's difficult, but I see my children, my oldest daughter is already 15 years old, it's time to say goodbye," said Soto-Karass.

The Mexican admits that it's getting very tough to make the junior middleweight limit of 154-pounds.

"It's difficult to diet, to lose weight, I'm even afraid to drink water. You do not know how your body will react. I do not want to look bad," Soto-Karass said.

"I have a lot to thank Golden Boy for. When it comes to my boxing career, it's where I won my best purses. I can afford to travel with my family, take my family to Disney, not have any financial problems for four years, I had a great time with my family," Soto-Karass said.

"I've lost, I've won or I've drawn, but I've always done my best. People are going to carry me in their minds as being a warrior in the ring."