What does boxing mean to you?

[Vlad_]

Calling world champions bums on NSB, obviously.

[jmrf4435]

The epitome of competition

['b']

The epitome of competition

and corruption

[FeFist]

Passing of torches. It is amazing how many fighters can be connected. Mayweather-De La Hoya - Hopkins- Jones Jr- Toney- Holyfield- Tyson- Holmes- Ali.

Incredible.

[A-Wolf]

GP sums it up in this one example. This is boxing.

[gingerbreadman]

It may sound as an overused phrase but boxing saved me and helped me during the darkest years of my life and made me feel the self-worth and self-respect for the first time. Boxing tought me self-perservance, discipline, hard work, but most importantly that everything is possible when you put your whole being in it and that we are capable of a lot, to always trust in myself.

That's why I hate corruption in it, also the haters and cheerleaders who never laced a pair of gloves and are only supporting an individual or a particular race instead of showing a bit of respect for the sport. The corruption may never stop, the talent pool may vary and there may be the times where there isn't a lot of exciting fights/fighters, and I may feel dissapointed because of it, but I won't ever stop being in love with boxing as a sport.

This. So much this.

Been a boxing fan for about 10-11 years, but only started boxing myself in January, weighing 234 lbs. Had my first fight on Saturday, weighing 183.5 lbs. Because I'm odd, it was a chessboxing bout, so while I won every boxing round (4 of the 5 scheduled) I lost on the chess, albeit having been a pawn up in a very even game. Not disappointed in the slightest, because a few years ago I was so terrified of failing in any area that I wouldn't put myself out there at all - in 2010 I failed the second year of my undergrad degree because I freaked out not achieving and never actually handed in any work. Having got healthy in the past 6 months, I'm doing well with my PhD and with life in general.

Boxing meant so much to me as a fan, but now I do it myself, I'm not only in utter awe at the pros when I watch them, but that meaning has deepened so much, and helped me in ways I never anticipated.

[Prince Madison]

Big drama show

[Citizen Koba]

This. So much this.

Been a boxing fan for about 10-11 years, but only started boxing myself in January, weighing 234 lbs. Had my first fight on Saturday, weighing 183.5 lbs. Because I'm odd, it was a chessboxing bout, so while I won every boxing round (4 of the 5 scheduled) I lost on the chess, albeit having been a pawn up in a very even game. Not disappointed in the slightest, because a few years ago I was so terrified of failing in any area that I wouldn't put myself out there at all - in 2010 I failed the second year of my undergrad degree because I freaked out not achieving and never actually handed in any work. Having got healthy in the past 6 months, I'm doing well with my PhD and with life in general.

Boxing meant so much to me as a fan, but now I do it myself, I'm not only in utter awe at the pros when I watch them, but that meaning has deepened so much, and helped me in ways I never anticipated.

Chess boxing huh? That's something I always wanted to try - did boxing (honestly more glorified sparring) for a coupla years back in the early nineties before I got myself in a mess with drink and drugs, but it was BJJ that I took to when I finally got outta that ****. I'll still spar a bit though when I find someone willing. Always was a keen chess player though - County level as a kid..

What are you? Coming up for 30 and 183Lbs? If you ever find yourself in the vicinity of Stockport drop me a PM or something... you're a youngster compared to me and I wouldn't be surprised if you can kick my ass boxing /sparring but I'm still game and I reckon I'll have your number at chess.

EDIT: And great to hear you got your **** together, and how boxing helped you. Stay strong, man.

[Illmatic94]

Its the easiest sport to follow. only two major fights per year. for a busy mofo thats the perfect sport. NBA fans gotta keep up with 82 games. Fucc all that I only watch the finals.

[gingerbreadman]

Chess boxing huh? That's something I always wanted to try - did boxing (honestly more glorified sparring) for a coupla years back in the early nineties before I got myself in a mess with drink and drugs, but it was BJJ that I took to when I finally got outta that ****. I'll still spar a bit though when I find someone willing. Always was a keen chess player though - County level as a kid..

What are you? Coming up for 30 and 183Lbs? If you ever find yourself in the vicinity of Stockport drop me a PM or something... you're a youngster compared to me and I wouldn't be surprised if you can kick my ass boxing /sparring but I'm still game and I reckon I'll have your number at chess.

EDIT: And great to hear you got your **** together, and how boxing helped you. Stay strong, man.

Thanks for the kind words mate. Even though I sound somewhat public school - I did go to one, I suppose - I know Stockport well, I was actually born in Stepping Hill and my dad's from Gorton!

I'm 28 and 183 lbs atm, but if I were to do it again I'd want to get to 165.5 lbs, which is 75kg. The guy I fought on Saturday was about 210lbs - he was overweight so it didn't help him offensively, but it helped him stay up when I landed hard shots., so I definitely want to fight someone my weight next time! He's a slightly better chess player than me, about 170/175 ECF (2000 elo for any non-UK guys) and I'm about 160/165 ECF (1900-1950 elo). What about you?

EDIT: I'm based in London, and amazingly there are actually dedicated chessboxing sessions every week at Islington ABC