Bernard Hopkins: The Defiant One

Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins is a stubborn man. He's a forty five year old competing in what many deem a young man's sport. Forty five years of age is ancient for any sport, especially boxing; and when you consider the fact that Hopkins still competes at a high level against men nearly half his junior, you realize you're not merely dealing with a stubborn man, but, a defiant one.   

It is said that America loves a comeback. Nothing in the States is more coveted than a second chance. After all "a second chance" or "a comeback" is what many would say the United States of America not only thrives on, but, is deeply rooted in. Stories of heroism and sacrifice, liberation and redemption run far and wide across the pages of American history. Men and women who braved the tyranny of distant lands for a chance at a new life in America, have their stories told to their children's children. Great and stirring accounts that are a clarion call to all the whole world, that in America, all things are possible. But, alas that is the Walt Disney version of the United States. The Gangsta Rap version is this, America was built on defiance. The defiance of a rag tag band of patriots who dared the vast British empire to give them liberty or death.  The defiance of immigrants who refused the oppressive limitations of their respective homelands. The defiance of men and women who refused and continue to refuse to allow America to break her promise of justice and liberty for all. That spirit of desperate defiance is what has guided Bernard Hopkins from Graterford State Penitentiary to boxing immortality.

Few sports, if any, can spin a roster of redemption tales as does the Sweet Science. Stories of the street kid or convict steered straight by the ring permeate the sport; and not just for the athletes. Donald King, a numbers runner from Cleveland, OH, would serve time for stomping a man to death, but, would go on to become the greatest, if not the most charismatic promoter the sport has ever seen. The Bernard Hopkins' story stands as one of boxing's most intriguing. Last week the former inmate stood across the ring from Light Heavyweight champion, Jean Pascal, a man eight-teen years his junior, in an attempt to become the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a championship. "Only in America" can a man go from roving thug to the pages of history. The fight with Jean Pascal was a microcosm of Hopkins' extraordinary journey from criminal to pugilistic great. Even before the first bell the fight was captivating. The referee actually had to make the fighter's touch gloves. 

Like Hopkins' early years, the early rounds of this fight would be treacherous. For the first time in sixteen years he would get knocked down, in the first round nonetheless. Two rounds later, he would go down again. It was clear that the younger man's speed, power, and counter left hook were giving the worn warrior some issues. A sound defensive technician his entire career, Hopkins was taking punches he normally would not. For the first few rounds one might believe the end had finally come for the legend. As a teenager Hopkins would sadly fulfill his mother's prophesy and end up behind bars for strong armed robbery. But, Hopkins is as defiant as they come. As he did behind those prison walls over twenty five years ago, he would do in the ring versus Jean Pascal, he decided to turn the tide. From round four to the final bell of round twelve, Hopkins would mount a comeback so furious and inspiring it would have his younger opponent back pedaling and holding for the remainder of the fight. America holds the distinction of having the world's largest prison population. A population which is maintained by, among other things, its high recidivism rate. But, Hopkins is a defiant one. He refused to return to the very element that got him incarcerated; and thus, began a journey that has crafted a life story worthy of a Hollywood biopic.

Hopkins' gallant efforts against Pascal would be rewarded with a majority draw, which immediately drew criticism from fans and the media that Hopkins was "robbed." Nevertheless, whatever one's opinion of Hopkins' most recent outing, and for the record I stand with the critics, no one can deny this great American story of perseverance, discipline, and defiance. His was a life that could have easily been a "statistic." He could have shared in a legacy of youth sacrificed to the penal system. For many young men like him were expected if not guaranteed a destiny of death and incarceration. Even the travails and struggles that accompanied his rise to the boxing elite could have easily derailed him. But, fortunately for himself, for fans of the sport, and more importantly, as an example to those young men and women who stand at the crossroads of life and death, Bernard Hopkins is a testament to the power of defiance.

© 2010 

Manny Pacquiao Meet Joe Louis

He's the Pound for Pound King of the world. The only eight division champion in the history of the sport. His entrance into the International Boxing Hall of Fame is an open and shut case. Manny Pacquiao is an all time great. To call the newly elected congressman the pride of the Philippines is a severe understatement. Manny Pacquiao is a national treasure. When an entire nation ceases to function for the sole purpose of tuning into your fights you are what history will deem an icon. The little man from a poor town in General Santos is the kind of life story epic Hollywood films are made of. The ultimate rags to riches story. A near mythical tale of hard scrabble, hard work, and stirring victories. The little superman who fought through eight divisions, Flyweight (106lbs.) to Jr. Middleweight (156lbs.) stands on top of the boxing world. A symbol of Asia as the new super power through out the world.

 Fascinating how history repeats itself. Not too long ago as America was ascending the pedestal of leadership  of the free world, Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis symbolized that very dominance. He still holds the all time record for title defenses of any champion, in any weight division, with twenty five. Like Pacquiao the entire nation, most notably during the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, stood spellbound when Louis laced up the gloves. No community was more riveted than the African American community. Entire neighborhoods would convene around the radio to hear the blow by blow commentary. Every punch he threw was for them, a thrust of hope. They were the second class citizens whose labor and patriotism, though intricate and vital to the very foundation of the United States of America, found their contributions and humanity vehemently and systematically betrayed on a daily basis. They were the forgotten ones, yet, through him, if only for a moment, they were clearly seen and they mattered. So it is with the poor boy from General Santos, Philippines. Through him Filippinos the world over, particularly the out cast and the have nots, for which there are many, are invited to witness the best of themselves. His victories are their thrust of hope, they're moment of exaltation before the world. And thus, the true wonder  and appeal of the squared circle, justice. Between those ropes everyone, rich or poor, Black or White are on leveled ground. Between those ropes everyone has a chance. If only our reality were so.

 Louis and Pacquiao have occupancy in a very fine and distinguished class of athletes who have accomplished that rare feet in sport of not merely transcending their occupation, but, more importantly becoming socio-political symbols in the process. Better still the Pac Man is keenly aware of that symbolism and what it means to the many who support him; and like Louis, he possesses the courage to embrace it. In other words, he knows being an active role model comes with the packege and that I believe is what we call character. A trait, like the great Joe Louis, which will certainly endear him long after he hangs up the gloves.

© 2010 

And They All Came Tumbling Down

One by one it seems, the very ones billed to be boxing's savior(s) have all of a sudden, like the myths that they were, disappeared into thin air. For the past few years we were told or sold (however you look at it) the notion that Antonio Margarito was the "Most Dangerous Man in Boxing," only to find out we'd been had by none other than the man who conjured the myth of Antonio Margarito, Bob Arum. You're good, Bobby, oh so good. And it didn't hurt to have your blathering chorus line at HBO echoing you either. Indeed, Antonio Margarito makes for great television: the size, the granite chin and that stubborn will which seems to be the calling card for all Mexican prizefighters. Couple this with the Arum razzle dazzle and the public bought it hook, line, and sinker...on dry land. There has never been anything in Margarito's career, save for Arum's imagination, to even warrant such exaltation. And with sorely mediocre outings post the hand wrap scandal, fan or not, one must be honest and question the validity of anything he has ever done. Margarito might very well be the welterweight version of Primo Carnera. For sure the pride of Tijuana is not the only fighter in modern times to receive such unwarranted adulation. As if a domino affect is at hand, merely a week following Antonio Margarito's bludgeoning courtesy of a man he out weighed by nearly 20 pounds, Paul "The Punisher" Williams, considered by the chorus line at HBO to be "The Most Avoided Man in Boxing," would find himself the victim of this year's front runner for Knockout of the Year. Jermaine "Bad Intentions" Taylor,  who was granted a figurative red carpet into the professional ranks, seems lately to be looking for an exit, following consecutive knock out loses. In the sport's much understood desperation to find a charismatic American heavyweight, because Lord knows those cerebral Eastern Europeans ain't cutting it (although they do win), like a lamb led to the slaughter, Cristabol Areola was actually put forth as America's best hope. He's now fighting on ESPN2.

What each and everyone of these fighters have in common is that they are all fundamentally incomplete, despite their natural gifts. Who doesn't marvel at Margarito's and William's grit? Who can't appreciate Taylor's piston like jab or Areola's power? Yet, even a genius must acquire technical mastery or that which makes that genius so special will eventually betray him. Margarito's grit may make for a great highlight reel, but, had he learned to bob and weave, perfect his jab, acquire some balance and coordination, he and his handlers might never have had to demean themselves by resorting to less than sportsman like tactics. Paul Williams, a near freak of nature, who is blessed with a toughness that belies his wiry frame, might want to consider fighting like he is the bigger man, as opposed to placing himself within range of most of his shorter opponents. Especially when you consider the fact that he has a nasty habit of leaning in when he punches, while his defensive hand hangs notoriously low. A smart fighter might just time him coming in and....wait that already happened. Let's hope the lesson has been learned. Taylor's fundamentals and conditioning might just be too far gone to grant him any significant change from this point. Even after his close victories over Bernard Hopkins, I always thought it best for the Arkansas star to take a good year off and connect with the likes of a Bouie Fisher and retool, it has been done by other fighters, think Marco Antonio Barrera. Cristobal Areola by his own admission is a testament to the jealous nature of the Sweet Science. No matter how gifted you are, a complete commitment to the craft is not an option, it is a requirement. In addition to his absolute lack of defense, telegraphed right hand (also a famous Jermaine Taylor flaw), Areola's lack of discipline has become a visual study in what not to do, if you're going to succeed in the sport.

Indeed, these fighters have enjoyed some measure of success. No way could they get this far if they did not possess something special. In my humble opinion for anyone to enter the prize fighting profession and make  even a minimal name for themselves is an accomplishment in and of itself. No sport, I repeat, no sport exacts more from you than that of prize fighting. You play soccer, you play basketball, you don't play pugilism. Thus, in that spirit the trainers, the promoters, the managers, and networks should not "play" with the careers of these fighters. If the goal is for the fighter to have a career that doesn't end him then it would behoove all concerned to not exact premature demands from that fighter. Perhaps all concerned might very well take a lesson from the handlers of Super Middleweight Champion Andre "S.O.G" Ward. Critics from every corner of the sport paned them for being "too careful" with their charge. At the time of this blog's publication, that "careful" fighter remains undefeated and is far and away the leader and break out star of Showtime's Super Six Tournament. Let the lesson be learned, greatness must be groomed.

© 2010