Last night we boxing fans saw two Boxing Gladiators go the distance and remind us of what the sweet science of pugilism is all about. We saw a legendary 40 year old champion go toe-to-toe with a returning 30 year old champion. Their combative performance made some of the younger boxing matches of late resemble a dance marathon; no constant clutching and circling around the ring in this bout. The battle was on from start to finish.
These champions came to do what they do best; fight. The bout was entertaining and clean, and was judged somewhat fairly. What impressed me most was the class and respect of both fighters afterward. The losing, younger fighter was honest and dignified in answering questions about his performance, while at the same time giving praise to the older champion. If we boxing fans have felt cheated and bamboozled by championship fights in past years, last night did much toward making up for all the disappointments and questionable decisions endured.
Dignity and Class was on the Boxing menu last night, not to mention a punching festival that thrilled from round 1 to the bell ending round 12. And though I went into the fight not knowing much about the younger fighter, he earned my respect and fandom with his skill, character and love for the sport. Even in losing, he just might be the one to carry the championship torch into the very near future.
As for the older fighter, he proved to me and the rest of the boxing universe that he still has the skills to take on championship caliber opponents and not only hold is own, but come out convincingly victorious. His legacy is still in the making.
Congratulations to two great ambassadors of the sport of boxing. I also give a championship salute to the promoters who put together a match made for us admirers of the sweet science.
1964 - 2019
10 strikes on the bell for a former champion who's life ended way too soon; Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker.
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