The Me of today

It's been too long since I've posted anything in here once again. I'm really getting bad at updating my blog. I've been busy. I never thought that after first and second year of nursing, I'd get a break, but to no avail. I've been busy in duty. Going to hospitals, taking vital signs, doing nursing interventions, regulating Intravenous Fluid, and a lot more. I've recently got exposed to Major and minor cases, like cord care in newborns, and suturing on open wound. I've seen the gross, but I've learned to live with it. As a nurse, it must be my second nature.. Would you believe a champion like me, simply caring for the sick? My dream is not fulfilled with just being a nurse though, I have to be a doctor. This for me, is just the initial step. So as you may know, I've got lots of dreams, and I'm taking them one at a time. I'm slowly getting into the groove, starting small, and becoming greater. My family is really half medically related and the other half is politically related. I really had a hard time figuring whether I'd be better as a doctor or a lawyer. Either way, I know I can do better in both fields. Boxing? Well I've not related to any boxing pedigree. I've just discovered I love boxing on my own. Its definitely something I'm born with. I get to think If I can hone my God-given talents of strength and an ample amount of speed, I'd be a champion. That is why I believe I'd be a champion, because I know I am capable, and its no fluke that I said I wanted to be one. There is a reason, that is why I keep insisting in the dream. In the past I never thought of being great, just at the moment, when I know the potential is inside of me, I think I would someday be. I say this because, I've got a lot of criticisms and questions about my dream, of being a champion that is. First and foremost, its insulting to talk about my dream and say some bad things about it. People would say, its impossible, that it's nothing, and etc. I know its hard to make people believe, but I can't help it. I can't let people see what I see, and I see that I've got what it takes. Just give me the time, someday, someday.. I'd become what everyone see as, a great warrior, a hero, and an accomplished champion of the ages. I dream of that day to come, as if it were constantly playing in my mind. I won't win a championship, I will take it away from the champion, because I believe there is no champion, like me. At the moment, I would say I haven't had a professional fight, but I believe my skills is that of a fighter that had 8 fights and perhaps knocking 7 of them, and out-boxing the other. I have a superior confidence in my strength, of course, since the day I've discovered it. Right now, I can't put myself in the ring, and I've put a lot of thinking about it. Some boxer also did told me, it is better if I finished school first. I then learned I should put my best in my nursing profession in the mean time. In doing so, I'm reaching the fourth year of college, which is the last. It is high time that I'd get serious about it. Since I knew I get to not box for a while, I thought its much better if I do a couple of bit for myself. One is, I put on braces. Yes, I hated the idea at first, cause I got a few sparring here and there. Braces are very inconvenient, but at the meantime, its definitely a good idea. The other thing I did was work on my abdominal muscles. Not much work though, cause I've chiseled the four abdominal upper field, right now, reverse crunches is done for the lower abdominal field. Mental note: there is no such thing as upper and lower ab, its a misconception, there is only one sheet of the abdominals, and they work as one, not separate. Reverse crunches and double crunches to stimulate the lower field of the abdominal muscle. I got to feel the improvements. Before, It was flab all around, but once you work it out and take protein, you would feel it bulge. Right now, you could feel that I've got the eight abs, but the lower four are not as visible as my upper abs. You could also feel the tightened belly button, as you could feel the lower field of the abdomen bulging, and taking shape. It's quite something new to me. Although I put my education first in this moment in life, I would say that, I would never abandon my dream of being the greatest champion the world of boxing has ever seen. Think of me, as the new Muhammad Ali.

Oh yes! I've almost forgot. In my previous post I said that I reduced to 140 lbs. but at the moment I am at a comfortable 130 lbs. I once had to be at 125 lbs. but rehydrated anyway to a comfortable level in this Super Featherweight. I always thought after I got the weight that I would fight someone like Humberto Soto, I thought I would reach him, but right now he went up in weight, after beating David Diaz. So for me, it's a bummer, we would have made a good fight, if I'd fight someone like him. Right now, I can't think of an opponent that would possibly one that I would face. Perhaps that is why I'm getting softer over the months. Thanks to everyone's criticisms though, I'm back to fight where I last stopped. I would want to print it right to their faces, when the time that I would be a champion takes place.

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.

Honey of the Bee's

In the days of not doing as much boxing as I have wanted it, I felt lesser in spirit, in strength, in stamina, and in mental attitude. I didn't feel like boxing in a long time. Although that is the case, I still loved the sport as I continued to watch and patiently wait for upcoming fights internationally and locally. It took me some time to put myself back into fighting. It was morning when I started drinking honey. Miraculously, at night time, my warrior spirit went back. It seemed that I have more stamina than usual. I was surprised myself. I don't know if there is something about honey that put me back but I am grateful that I am. There is a secret about Honey that I am not able to solve yet. I have come to a conclusion that Honey is definitely the "warriors drink". It has become very special to me and has opened my consciousness from the benefits I got. On that night, I punched like never before.

Broken Fist

As the days of no boxing progressed, I felt a sense of urgency to replace something that I lost. I occupied myself into playing video games and surfing on the net. I felt physcally unfit and seemed to lose focus for a few days. Breaking my fist was as serious as killing my dreams. It was the two knuckle that hurt most of all. Applying even the lightest of pressure makes it hurt like hell. I give it a lot of time to heal. It took me close to one month until I could use my right hand to its full potential. Throughout the days, I felt desperate. I continued boxing using most of my left hand. My mind is so focused on fighting, I forget I have a broken hand. In a lot of occassions, I find myself throwing my right hand accidentally. I remembered on the progress of my fist. First, there was pain all throughout. Next, there was no pain but hurts even with the lightest pressure. Then, There was pain on the strongest pressure only(but I still can't box with it cause it hurts). Finally, its healed, but not completely. That is so far I have noticed. The dilemma taught me a lot of things in life. I learned to be sure, be smart, be safe, be patient, be independent, be focused, and a lot more. It is important to take calcium to support the healing of a broken bone and its ligaments. I took skim milk, cheese, whole wheat bread, and sea food.

Pacquiao-De la Hoya

The fight as regarded by many as the dream match. A fight that has become the fight of the year 2008. In my generation where computer games are essential parts of people's entertainment, It has been very clear that the fight against manny and oscar is usually seen in games. It is a fight that some thought would never happen. Don't look now, it's 2009, the fight already took place. It was a fight favoring De la Hoya in reach, height, speed, and power. Surely those aspects of Oscar is what made him the pound for pound king in the 90's. He was known as the spped that kills in boxing. Oscar's legendary career started as an amateur winning the Gold Medal in the Barcelona Olympics. Since then, he won 10 titles at six different divisions. He was the former junior lightweight, lightweight, 2 time junior welterweight, 2 time welterweight, 2 time junior middleweight, and middleweight champion of the world. His legendary career is historical. His opponent, Manny Pacquiao on the other hand is the current pound for pound king. He started his career as a flyweight(the second to the lowest division in boxing) and now has won the super bantamweight, super featherweight, and lightweight world titles. The fight was a historical bout, featuring speed against old age. Before the fight, Freddie Roach, Manny's coach and a former coach of Oscar, established that Oscar cannot pull the trigger as a result of Old age. A lot of betting establishents placed Oscar as the odd favorite against Manny. They gave importance to the idea that Oscar is just too big against Manny. In the fight, however, the young and quick Pacquiao dominated the great Oscar de la Hoya into quitting in his stool before the beginning of round 9. The physicalities of Oscar was evident, but it was clear from the beginning, that Pacquiao controlled the fight since the start of round 1. The bout was an important study in boxing history, as it showed that speed can be used to cut the physical advantages of an opponent. As Pacquiao won that fight, he has re-established himself as the worlds pound for pound king. He has been compared to the great Henry Armstrong, a fighter who has won three world championship belts at the same time. Pacquiao's move to welterweight was in the same level. This Historical bout will be remembered forever in the great pages of boxing history.

Inactivity

Through the course of my inactivity, I have learned a lot. I hadn't been able to post something here for a long time. It's break from school and I have a lot on my mind. My training turned from Gold to null. I have relentlessly hammered the heavy bag on a good night. I hit the bag like crazy, full of spirit, and power. I felt contented, full of energy, and strong. In the stroke of bad luck or simply carelessness, I broke my right knuckles on a hard concrete wall. I did not hit it lightly, because at the moment I had my momentum. Every punch I threw that night was that of haymakers. I was literally punishing the heavy bag as I relentlessly hammered it with tremendous force. It all come into an end as my right fist smashed into the wall. I fell down into the ground feeling the pain so intense with a grimace on my face. I felt like my boxing days are over. Somehow, my mind began to play tricks on me. I was thinking that, at the moment that I fell into the floor, it seemed like I was knocked down by an opponent. My mind began to count me to 10 as if I was knocked down in a fight. I began to stand up as the count reached eight, my warrior spirit is truly legendary. I began to use my left for a while, jabbing the heavy bag like I'm pushing the damn thing away from me. After a while I began to get spirited and continued pouring hard punches even with a broken right hand. Offcourse, I can feel the pain in my hand as I throw the punch, but the pain seemed nothing to me. I can say proudly that my spirit is what made me forget the pain and continue to go on. I stopped until I felt sleepy. I ended the day proud, and I will never forget that kind of feeling in my lifetime.