The Writer’s Corner: Why I love the Sweet Science of Boxing

Herb Boyd, author of Pound for Pound, a stunning Sugar Ray Robinson biography, wrote: “Let us hope that I’ve done no worse on paper than his opponents did in the ring.”

The poetic prose of Herb Boyd and the ring mastery of Sugar Ray Robinson prompted me to pursue more information on the sweet science.

Now, 18 months later, I sit at my desk surrounded by a cluster of RING magazines dating back years, editions of Boxing Monthly and books dedicated to legendary prize fighters.

This is why I love boxing, expressed in my new column for Fightstore Media, The Writer’s Corner.

The Giant Slayer

According to journalist James Lawton, the heavyweight title contest between David Haye and Nicolay Valuev was an “insult of a fight, a dreg of the dregs”.

But through my 15 year old eyes I witnessed Haye challenge a seven foot monster within the limited confines of a squared ring.

Despite following a similar pattern from the opening bell to the last, you sensed that the fight could alter dramatically at any instant.

Valuev was no Foreman, but by weighing 316 pounds to Haye’s 217, the encounter grabbed my attention, and imagination, on a night where Match of the Day would usually have been the preferred choice.

I learned that boxing isn’t restricted to the power of a punch. Speed and elusiveness are equally effective.

When Haye was announced as the winner by majority decision in Germany, I recall shouting with exhilaration. It was the first time a boxing match on television translated into my living room as something to be celebrated.

My First Taste

Lynn Harvey made her professional debut last November at the Red Cow, Dublin. I was at ringside video recording the action.

It was my first glimpse of quality. All the things you see on TV, quick footwork, cutting down the ring, setting up a big shot, I seen it all for myself.

I experienced how the crowd reacted with every play, the bellowing roar when a punch connected clean and the tangible like nervous tension echoing around the room.

They say you never forget being at your first fight. Lynn Harvey’s ruthless first round KO will be something I can reflect on fondly as the beginning of my career in combat journalism.

Peter McDonagh vs Dean Byrne

“Records are for DJs,” says the ‘Cinderella Man’ Peter McDonagh.

His Irish welterweight title bout with Dean Byrne at the National Stadium last year was a thrilling spectacle. To be ringside was an honour.

The intensity on McDonagh’s face when he entered the ring was memorable. Both men looked fired up throughout the build-up, ready to stand toe to toe and fight.

But fans were treated to an aggressive, intelligent and technical boxing match. Despite desperate to win his third Irish belt and emotions seemingly palpable, McDonagh boxed superbly in a fight where you were mesmerised from the start.

Byrne showcased his class too, having sparred at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in the past with Manny Pacquiao.

The pace was ferocious and both men showcased their skillset to an audience that revelled in every second of action.

McDonagh was deservedly granted the decision and the respect shown between the two pugilists afterwards signified what boxing is about.

It was a great clash, an overused expression, but more than justified here.

Thrilla in Manila

I watched this fight in full recently. Two incredible boxers, past their best, who pushed themselves way beyond the limit and then some.

Poignantly Muhammad Ali fought for six more years after that gruelling third slog with Joe Frazier, competing ten times.

With every unread article, every unseen punch and with every unheard fact on Muhammad Ali that I’m exposed to, the sport becomes even more exceptional and romantic in my head.

Manny Pacquiao

From 2007-2010, Manny Pacquiao, my favourite fighter from the last decade, had an astonishing run of remarkable victories.

He conquered Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto in succession.

His displays were almost unhuman like. The speed and volume of his combinations were breathtaking, particularly against the naturally bigger fighters Cotto and De La Hoya.

Why do I love boxing? The art of war is a beautiful saying, and one which reflects Pacquiao’s three year dominance fittingly.

The question of why?

Why did you become a boxer? A simple question that inspires extraordinary answers.

Deontay Wilder’s reason for lacing up boxing gloves comes to mind.

“I got into boxing because of my 10-year-old daughter, Naieya, who was born with spina bifida. I was in college but once she was born, I had to drop out and support her. I thought boxing was my best bet simply because I was a great street fighter. I ended up joining the gym and the rest is history,” Wilder, now WBC heavyweight champion of the world, told Boxing Monthly in January.

His is one of hundreds of heartening tales of why.

Another notable backstory comes from Mike Tyson which he articulates in his hard hitting autobiography, The Undisputed Truth.

Those were some of many reasons why I love the sweet science of boxing.

Dedicated,

Walker Smith Jr (Sugar Ray) and Herb Boyd.