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by David P. Greisman - To one man goes the glory: arms raised in the air, belt around his waist, name announced for all in attendance and watching on television to hear. He gets the camera time and the post-fight interview, the expectations for the future, the presumption of further success.
The other man, he just goes. Ducking between the ropes, making his way briskly, quietly back to his dressing room. He goes back to that proverbial drawing board, answering questions that will be posed in place of the hopes once raised: Why did he come up short? How difficult will it be to rebound? Where will his career go from here?
The winner remains in the public consciousness. Much will be said, thought of, written. The loser retreats into private deliberation. Until he returns, he is often forgotten.
Nearly every fight concludes with this dichotomy. No matter their accomplishments or skill level, the winner can celebrate before preparing for his future. And whether he is a prospect, contender or champion, the loser will find himself battling with his past.
Rich Gingras was an undefeated cruiserweight out of Claremont, N.H., the winner of eight straight professional bouts. For his first appearance outside of New England he faced Harvey Jolley, a journeyman from Michigan who had lost more than he had won. On that April night in a ballroom in Maryland, Jolley defeated Gingras by technical knockout just 20 seconds into the third round. [details]
The other man, he just goes. Ducking between the ropes, making his way briskly, quietly back to his dressing room. He goes back to that proverbial drawing board, answering questions that will be posed in place of the hopes once raised: Why did he come up short? How difficult will it be to rebound? Where will his career go from here?
The winner remains in the public consciousness. Much will be said, thought of, written. The loser retreats into private deliberation. Until he returns, he is often forgotten.
Nearly every fight concludes with this dichotomy. No matter their accomplishments or skill level, the winner can celebrate before preparing for his future. And whether he is a prospect, contender or champion, the loser will find himself battling with his past.
Rich Gingras was an undefeated cruiserweight out of Claremont, N.H., the winner of eight straight professional bouts. For his first appearance outside of New England he faced Harvey Jolley, a journeyman from Michigan who had lost more than he had won. On that April night in a ballroom in Maryland, Jolley defeated Gingras by technical knockout just 20 seconds into the third round. [details]