Boxing is an influential sport for many people. It has shaped and changed people's lives, whether or not it is in a career direction. Even in Ancient Rome slaves and offenders would box. The prize for winning was their independence. Now, boxing has changed those who are looking for a healthier life style, achieving Olympic gold medals, or going professional. Whether boxing is just a natural passion, completing or spectating. It's a focus to get out of drugs and can help one achieve the next goal in life one has. Every person in boxing, no matter how they are connected, have a story to tell.
For some people, boxing has been a healthy change in their lifestyle. Mike Deladillo's career goal was to become a police officer. It was impossible for Mike to be able to achieve his goal, due to him being 310 lbs. After Mike began boxing he lost 130 pounds, gained better agility, and had a higher self esteem. He achieved his goal a year later. Alan Lacey also was able to begin a healthier lifestyle when he picked up boxing. Alan had tried several ways to quit smoking and get in shape. The day he set foot into a boxing gym, he never touched a cigarette again. He is part of "The Real Fight Club", and he says he's seen other members with drinking problems, low self esteem, or overweight start boxing and it completely turned their lives around. "Guy's who are in their late 30's early 40's and suddenly they have been given a new lease of life."
Professional boxers have been changed by boxing as well. Floyd Mayweather Jr. loves boxing for the satisfaction he feels when he wins. It gave him something to dedicate himself to and something that gave him confidence in return. Floyd came from a good background, he wanted to help people, and wanted to show kids that you can do it. With professional boxer, Amir Khan, he was reaching for goals. Boxing gave him confidence to be able to reach his goals. He wanted to win the European, British, and World titles. Darren Sutherland is another boxer that always wants to reach for bigger goals. Being the 3rd best middleweight boxer in Europe, he is working towards competing in the Olympics.
For some people, boxing is just a passion and respect for those in the sport. Norman Mailer wasn't an author, but was a highly acclaimed author. He wrote several different kinds of books, but boxing was his passion. He wrote about many different boxers, and Norman was friends with Muhammad Ali. Norman wrote about boxing until the day he died at age 84.
Boxing has turned out to be more than just a sport for pros and fans alike. Mostly, I have seen boxing as a tool to build self esteem, confidence, and reach bigger goals. It has, and continues to, help those who don't have any other options. From what I've gathered, boxing as a sport or recreation, has saved peoples lives. It has given those people, like Alan, a reason to stop using substances and get healthy. It has been just an unconditional love for the sport. For every person, that gets involved with boxing, it can be something similar to these peoples experiences, and it can be completely different. For these people, I can say that boxing that boxing has changed and bettered their lives.
Cassius Clay (Muhammad Clay) Poem:
"I Am the Greatest"