Boxing Life
Lessons
By Douglass Ward
Ringside, Inc.
In August of 1999, we
went down to Georgia to photograph four-time World
Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield, for the cover of
that year's Spring Ringside catalog. During our conversation
/ photo session, he recounted what motivated and drove him
to succeed at such a high level. He said, "The coach told me
that I was too little to play football and was too short to
play basketball, but I decided I was not going to sit on
anyone's bench. So I told him I was going to be a boxer and
become heavyweight champion of the world."
Even at a young age,
Evander decided what he wanted. He made the decision one
time and has captured or recaptured the world title four
times. Sure, it was because he immeasurable resolve and
determination, but it was also because boxing has no
"bench." A coach doesn't put on a boxing team and not let
you box. You can't be too small. If you work, put in a
respectable amount of effort and train hard, you'll box.
You will get a match and it will be against someone your
size, your age and your weight. How much more fair could
competition be?
The "bench" in athletics
is used to relegate second tier athletes or unpopular
students to second-best status. The become the individuals
who aren't quite "good enough." Second place in the boxing
ring is called losing, but at least that means you're
competing. You are getting a chance. That is really what
academic athletics should focus on. The only "sitting out"
you do in boxing is between rounds and each time the bell
rings, you get a fresh start. You get a new chance to prove
that you are "first string."
As long as you train
hard, apply yourself and have the desire to compete, in
boxing you are the one who dictates your final destiny. You
direct your own life from right there in the gym and in the
ring, not from the sidelines.
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