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