Respect the Fighter

Hardships and poverty are dealt with differently by individuals in society. Some work long hours to get by, others flush their funds into the scholastic bowl of debt, a few find the underworld, but even fewer lace leather and fight their way out. Nothing is more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose, he will fight until his last breath, disregard life and embrace the possibility of death. When people think of sports they imagine fun, a ball of some sort and children being able to enjoy it just as much as their fathers. However, Boxing is a sport that is not played, it is not sympathising, nor does it show mercy. It is the game of life itself, a russian roulette manifested over 12 rounds of punishment and heart endurance. A sport where the winner is showered with glory while the loser is quietly removed from the ring with his head down, body bruised and ego broken. Why are these men so willing to take such punishment and risk their lives? Victory. Not another win in their resume but a victory over lives hardships. Most come from the bottom of the food chain, forced to become apex predators and eat their way up the ranks. Manny Pacquiao is a man of such feat, as hundreds of others before him and after will come. From a hidden province under dim lit boxing events to being the main event in Sin City, Manny is one of the many examples of how the struggle to survive fortified a warrior. The hunger to survive, the urgency to feed your loved ones, the excitement of the crowd surging through the atmosphere is mind numbing. It's an intoxicating moment when you see the flag you hold beloved raised and waved, swaying its greatness and representing your people. Then, a man stands in front of the flag, gloves wrapped tightly, mind and body set, the announcer begins to exhale the mans greatness as he sets his name free….. and us, as fans realise.. He was and is just like us. He too went through similar struggles, he isn't immortal, in fact one unfortunate perfectly placed fist can end him. At times we forget those fighters we root for or against have their own purpose on earth as well. For some health comes first, for others wars are what they are here for. Regardless of what a fighter stands for i believe they require respect. It takes a special type of person to step in a ring and willingly punch and get punched with ill intentions for the sole purpose of entertainment. I'm not saying we should never speak against a fighter, we all have opinions and views and thats what makes sports great,creates rivalries and propels the sport. What I'm saying is think twice before offending a fighter and using racial slurs, labelling them derogatory terms etc… Remember this is a sport we all love and hold dear, no need for excessive bashing.