Day 9 - The Cruelest Sport

Before nearly every boxing match my girlfriend asks, “What time is the game?”  Shaking my head, I respond, “A fight, babe.  It’s a fight.  If you were facing a grown man only purpose in life was to hurt you, it wouldn’t feel like a game.”

Boxing is among the most truthful and unforgiving of sports.  By necessity, however, boxers are liars.  (This is why boxing is not and should never be considered a team sport no matter how much the rah-rah types at pseudo-boxing-fitness gyms preach).  Boxers mislead.  They set traps.  They feint.  They pull back on a punch just enough to set up the kayo.  They play rope-a-dope.

Although boxers lie boxing does not. Eventually, each flaw or weaknesses not eradicated in the gym is exploited, put on display.  That is why it is fitting that both boxers stand in the center of the ring, only half-clothed, fully exposed to the world.  Half-naked, tying to keep a little something extra hidden away is crucial to survival.

(I was able to get through five rounds of mitt work the next day.  Felt like death.)

I have met many delusional boxers.  It is hard to tell what brings them to a gym.  All flash and no substance, some train hard but most are satisfied to dream.  I have often wondered how they do not come to see their mistakes, even with the help of a mirror, until it is too late.  I learned today that you either have to be honest with yourself or find someone who will be honest with you.  This is why having a good trainer can be so important.  Even then the powers of denial and self-delusion can have their way.  But today my camcorder cut through all that.  After only one round of mitt work with my gym owner, Kenny, I could see clearly that I have a fatal flaw in my boxing.  I drop my hands after I throw a combination.  Some call this posing for the camera.  Some do it because their arms and shoulders tire.  I do it partly out of habit and partly out of pure curiosity.  I like to admire my own work when I should get the hell out and set something else up.  I am glad I caught it early on.  It will be something interesting to look for as training progresses.