Muhammad Ali Tribute

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     It's been a while since I've posted practically anything in my blog for almost a year or so. Yes, I'm still into boxing and enjoying it. Yet, everything became a standstill upon hearing the news that the great Muhammad Ali passed away today at age 74. He is like an irony of himself. He inspires us to believe in ourselves through boxing which brought fighters to pursue boxing as he did, but he is also the same reason we are warned not pursue it as well, because of the disease he sustained after retiring. Parkinson's Disease afflicted Muhammad Ali throughout his life.

     So yes, you can be what you believe to be but boxing is still a dangerous sport. There are risks implied, which for me as a health professional, understands it well. Although, we can't help but be in awe for those courageous enough to take that risk, and Muhammad Ali is no stranger in taking risks. It broke my heart, seeing this guy who has made all sorts of contributions not only to boxing but to society, leaving us at this fragile point in time. His charisma and being a champion to the people will never be forgotten. He is like the great elder, a leader, and a teacher. What are we to do now that he is gone? We seem like lost children through this.

     He helped made the world a better place and we will always be indebted to him for that. From his victory in the Olympics earning him the Olympic Gold Medal and the pride of an entire nation, to fighting racism and being an ambassador of peace, Muhammad Ali's footprints in history is cemented for everyone to behold. No matter what social status you’re in, or if you’re a boxing fan or not, Muhammad Ali has touched our lives one way or another. This is why he is such an inspiration. He is such an incredible human being that even without boxing he would still be great. He is truly the Greatest of all time.

Photo: The three time lineal Heavyweight Champion of the World. Boxing's very own, Muhammad Ali. Rest in peace.

Pacquiao-Barrera first; a reminisce on the path of a Champion

I just finished the examinations in school. Feeling tired and stressed, I immediately decided to go home as I usually do, hoping to do another set of work outs to punctuate the day. As I stepped into the entrance door mat of my home, the next thing I know, I'm already inside, feeling the familiarity that I've missed when in school, I immediately turned on the laptop and the television at the same time. In an attempt to unwind and put myself at ease, I decided to reward myself with boxing matches on the DVD player. Doing this blog, as I watch Pacquiao-Barrera 1st. It almost looked like "deja vu", as I have already seen this fight several times. It may be a classic, but the excitement and drama never fails to interest me, and the feeling never seems to get old. Watching the young Pacquiao, full of determination, power, stamina, and skills. As I watched the fight, it immediately went into my mind, on how hard, an up and coming fighter would be against a renowned champion. Barrera, at the time, was part of the top five pound for pounder in boxing. Thinking Pacquiao, who was less recognized at that time, winning the match is very unlikely beforehand. It just amazes me, that Pacquiao was able to defeat Barrera, in a fashion that most people would never dare to think of. It is in this fight, that I began to put some thought in boxing for the first time. Although, I've heard of his name even before this fight, I wasn't as tentative, as I knew, he was just some local fighter. His achievement in the international setting, definitely shook the world, and it has definitely shook my mind as well. His intensity is admirable, and his style is clearly a crowd pleaser. I started loving boxing for the very first time. As the hype of Pacquiao-Barrera immediately sets forth to the first ring of the bell, round one is a drama that seems to have been going since the olden days. As Pacquiao's slip turned into a knockdown, it somehow crossed my mind, that it always has been like that. An up and coming fighter, will always have experienced an unfair shake, against a well-known champion. The same way, Muhammad Ali had been treated against Sonny Liston, as a liquid substance coming from Liston's glove bothered Ali for a few rounds. Despite the adversities that they have been confronted with, they still decide to fight back with all their heart, and that, to me, is definitely a mark of a true Champion. As I continue to watch the fight, Barrera bled from an accidental head-butt, and from his frustration, lands an intentional headbutt on Pacquiao's chest, and was warned by the referee. Pacquiao may have conceded with the dirty tactics of Barrera, but he never gave in. As the next round approaches, after a series of combination by Pacquiao, he then lands his own headbutt, hitting so flush on the face, as he hammers Barrera into the corner, and the referee wasn't able to see it. In my mind, It's as if Pacquiao is showing Barrera on the proper execution on how it's supposed to be done compared to Barrera's last attempt. It somehow made Barrera looked like an amateur against Pacquiao, which is logically contrary. As the fight progresses, I begin to see Barrera hitting Pacquiao with a cheap shot, after the referee was separating both fighters. Barrera was called to that, and was deducted a point. It looked like as if Pacquiao was alright with it, but by the next round, he decided to repay Barrera by ending the fight, after a flurry of combinations, he finally finished Barrera by TKO. These moments to me, is another definition of how a Champion should act when given the opportunity. It is the mindset of not giving in against adversities, and immediately trying to fight back, against all odds. It has been the template, of what a Champion is, to me, until this very moment. It is like a man battling cancer, and despite the relatively low chance of survival, he continues to live his life, longer than expected. It is like walking through a dilapidated wooden bridge, and making it through. It is like going into a losing war, and somehow survived it. It is defying the odds, facing adversities, and more importantly keeping the faith alive. Being a champion is a long road, full of trials that we need to overcome, by not shying away, but continuously facing it. In the end of that long road, we will see the light, and we will see the greatness, not only of ourselves, but more importantly, the greatness of God.

Picture: Manny Pacquiao knocking down the great Marco Antonio Barrera, on the third round of their first fight. Including the referee Lawrence Cole on the far left.

Reflexes

In boxing, reflexes are an important aspect of a fighter, in order to dodge well and to punch an opponent on angles. This is also determined by age. Younger people can execute better reflexes compared to the old ones. That is why, age retires in boxing. You can see this idea in the Muhammad Ali vs Trevor Berbick fight. After the disappointing loss to Berbick, Ali was quoted in saying, "I can see the punches, but I could not avoid it. It was age." Reflexes can really turn from Gold to null through age. Not even the reflex-type Ali was able to do anything about it. Reflex to me, is both defense and offense, that is why, stretching is a very good idea after training. Stretching helps circulate blood flow, helps in increasing the size of muscles, and it can give you a very good reflex in the end. In my exercise, I definitely include stretching, for the health benefits, to do some warm-up, and because it actually feels good. The body gets stiff every now and then and results to poor blood circulation. Doesn't it feel better when you get a few crunch sounds from stretching you neck, twisting your hips, especially your hands and feet? It's part of the pleasures that I enjoy, although considering its simplicity. Everyone should try it. I do it a lot. Every night, I relax myself with some yoga. I definitely get a good sleep from it, and it takes a load amount of stress from my system. The results of continuously stretching would make you somewhat flexible. In the past, I had some rough parts that stretches in a limit. At present, I can extend, and overextend. In boxing, this is an asset that will help in terms of footwork, punching angles, defensive dodging, as well as keeps your body at its best condition. In another sense, there is another type of reflex that most boxers utilize. This is the trained reflex. It is a reflex that is activated by certain stimulus, which is trained purposely for defense and offense purposes. One trained reflex, is the counter punching. It is the instantaneous motion of punching at a more powerful type from the moment the stimulus is given. I love counter punching, it would probably be part of how good a boxer I am. Counter punching is good for ceasing an opponents attack, for making the opponent feel more cautious and awkward, and it is a point in Olympic amateur boxing. Another trained reflex, would be the defensive reflex. I am equipped with this sort of reflex, which will make you put your defense from the moment the stimulus will be given, such as a closing in of an opponent, the alternation in positioning of fists after punching, and the rocking chair motion of the upper body once on the defensive. As a person, I wanted to train myself purposely anytime, and anywhere. So I trained myself to be on philly shell defense whenever I get close to any person, like walking on a narrow pathway, and anywhere else. This will also secure myself just like a self defense and be able to be more effective in defense with just a reflex. One thing good about trained reflex is that, you won't be able to put much thought into things, and will let your body somehow, think on its own. A movement that will flow on its own from the moment a stimulus will be given. Now that's skill! Another ingredient for being a champion. I would name a few boxers who I look up to in terms of reflex such as, Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, Muhammad Ali, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Roy "Captain Hook" Jones Junior. Reflex will always be a big deal, although it is underrated.

Picture: Floyd Mayweather doing some trained reflex on Oscar De la Hoya

The Fight of the Century

It has been years, since we saw one of the most significant fights in boxing. There have been gaps wherein boxing has become cold. The last fight however that made a significance in the sport of boxing was the Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. versus Pernell Whitaker match. That fight was the last time a fight has been regarded in utmost importance. It was important, because two of those people have achieved the rating as two of the best fighters of their era. Whitaker, a defensive mastermind versus the slugger in Chavez. The great fights, however, started way back since the days of James Sullivan. Sullivan, was a fighter who totally dismantled all his opponents, was the first fighter to ever hold a title belt in boxing history. He is the first ever heavyweight champion. Throughout the years, boxing has become a staple for people who wants to get their excitement in a combat sport. It then winded down to the days of Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano. Those three, were one of the best fighters of their days, and no wonder they are part of the hall-of-fame and as well as the all-time greats. Then came the days of Sugar Ray Robinson, Henry Armstrong, and Willie Pep. It has been way back in those days, and boxing has already become a very respectable sport. Robinson was the first in their time to receive the first to benefit in pay-per-views. Henry Armstrong, on the other hand got almost half of the boxing title belts. Willie Pep, is one of the all-time greats. Pep had the most victories in boxing than any fighter in the world. Until now, that title still belongs to him. He had 229 victories and a total of 241 fights, a record in boxing history. Those were part of the back and forth existance of the "Golden Age" of boxing. Golden Ages come and go. As great fighters come and go, the age also begins to end and will surely begin again. It is the promise, that brings everyone in boxing believe, that greater days are about to come. As the years goes further after the Robinson Era, a new generation begin to surface. Then came Muhammad Ali, or in the past was Cassius Clay. The Three fights with Frazier was tremendous. The third fight was, to me, the best fight that was made, in the history of boxing. Of course Ali, starting out had to beat the puncher, in Sonny Liston. It was drama in those days, there was the young George Foreman who was sensational in his hay day. Ali was very articulate and he was one of the most influential people in those times, and as well as today. Then there was The Four tigers, as what Top Rank CEO, Bob Arum calls it. It was the era of the eighties. Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. These four were the greats of the sport in those times. They all have fights on each other, and that was another "Golden Age". Ever heard of the famous sayings, "No mas"? Well, that was the reported words that Roberto Duran said, after he took an embarrassing loss to Leonard. Today, fights that go all-out and non-stop can be compared, defined, and easily associated to the "Hagler-Hearns". In the Eighties it was exciting, although I wasn't yet born, the impact that these four made in boxing is present in our generation. I just love the fights in this era, that I keep watching them. All of the four, are my favorites. In the nineties, however lots of fights took place and the center of it was Oscar De la Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, and Sugar Shane Mosely. These were the names in the nineties that shook the world once again, in the name of boxing. De la Hoya was the most popular as he defeats Chavez. After the De la Hoya-Chavez, Mexicans started hating on Oscar. Then the rise of young heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, who I believe is one of the best punchers in history. Tyson beat Berbick, who was the person who beat the aging Ali. Then comes the fight between Tyson-Holyfield, it was a good fight, but only tarnished by the bad blood, when Tyson bite the ears of Holyfield. Also, the mega-fight between Chavez and Whitaker. Then days come when boxing began to be cold. Then fueled up again with the featherweights in Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. They were the dominating forces in the 2000's. The three fights of them are a memory in my mind that I cannot forget. Up until, the rise of Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao beat them all. In those times, the significant fights were, Barrera-Morales, Pacquiao-Marquez, Pacquiao-Morales, Corrales-Castillo, Hopkins-Taylor, and others more I can remember. In present times, there was the mega-fight De la Hoya-Mayweather, Mayweather-Hatton, De la Hoya-Pacquiao, Pacquiao-Hatton, and the very recent Pacquiao-Cotto. It always was a pleasure for me to watch boxing, and until now, it is what keeps me in a good mood. In the recent events where Pacquiao and Mayweather is left as the "ultimate dominating force". It is important to consider their strengths. Pacquiao, is a total offensive genius in the history of boxing, as I would believe. Mayweather, is a total defensive genius in the history of boxing, as I too also believe. These are the two best fighters of their era, that if a clash would happen from them, it will generate millions of dollars in the fight and in pay-per-view. Not only is money the bigger deal, but what matters most are the memories, that will remain in our minds as one of the greatest fights in boxing history. As a boxing fan, I love the idea and would pay a fortune to see them fight. This fight will definitely be one of a kind, and is something that people would talk for ages. I really hope that this fight will happen so that we will feel the excitement once again that the sport creates in itself.

Picture: Floyd "Money" Mayweather on the left, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao on the right.

Boxing is Alive

For the most part, people have been arguing and criticizing the sport of boxing. It has been like that ever since. People say that, boxing is a dead sport, that the people who are related to boxing are a dying breed, but none of that matters now. I would agree to what James Toney, a former Middleweight Champion, said about the current state of boxing. Boxing is definitely alive. I believe that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has helped the sport of boxing to its peak as of the moment. Boxing has become so relevant that people have been watching PPV in boxing compared to other combat sports. I believe that, fights related to Pacquiao or Mayweather, would inevitably have superior pay per view buys. This relives the days of Ali, Tyson, Chavez, Leonard, Duran, and a lot of other boxing greats who bring in the bacon, that anybody would pay a dollar to see them fight. Pacquiao and Mayweather have become a legend in boxing. They both bring the entertainment that no other sport brings. They bring excitement, drama, and a lot more. Because of superstars of this era, Boxing has paved its way into bringing it into the worlds consciousness. Boxing has come into one of those legendary golden ages, and I believe, at this moment, we are enjoying a part of greatness in this current golden age of boxing.