Biggest things armchair boxing historians get wrong

Loma uses one now.

 

What is an armchair historian? Is it someone who watches fights and reads about them from the comfort of his armchair? If it is, what exactly is wrong or negative about that?

 

That the better fighter winning is more likely than one with the style advantage. Or that the styles at play between fighters matters more than the difference in quality.

 

Might be favoured in that area of the world - Kostya might be a role model also - just guessing but I don’t know these things for a fact.

Loma is Ukrainian of course. Tszyu moved back to Russia in 2012 - runs a restaurant in Moscow. Left the sunny shores/beaches and agreeable climate and culture of Australia - interesting move. KT also loved the Aussie beer - had a special home fridge so that he could tap mini kegs and dispense straight from the fridge door - VB was his beer of choice I think - and a developing little pot belly told the story. LOL.

Anyway, that would make for an interesting thread - boxing apparel/devices/ equipment that came and went or at least didn’t necessarily take hold over the greater boxing fraternity.

In Louis’ time I know they came up with inventive gear to better protect his long suffering sparring partners. I know boxers shouldn’t unnecessarily inflict punishment in sparring but I guess if it was unavoidable for any given style of fighter perhaps it would be the express punchers like the Brown Bomber.

I saw photos of Shavers’ sparring partners in a boxing mag. years back - holy mother of pearl, they looked like they’d been hit by a train at super high speed, - the Shavers Cannon Ball Express! That’s one train you’d be glad to miss.

 

Was Jack Fiske an armchair historian?Hank Kaplan?Lou DiBella?Herb Goldman?Dan Cuoco?

 

I think we’re focusing in on common pitfalls of abstract assessment. Doesn’t mean every armchair historian is thusly afflicted.

One of the biggest and most irksome traits is the all too easy assignment of lack of courage or cowardice - particularly when the armchairer has never exhibited courage of their own or have been similarly tested.

It’s actually irrational to put life and limb at unconditional risk for the sake of a single boxing match. Fook that.

I say just be appreciative of those crazy mo fos that do fight thusly - highly uncommon, exceptional commitment.

For the rest of our boxers, just normal folk who can’t be criticised because really, if you do knock them you’re actually reducing the due credit that should be afforded to the limitless warriors.

 

I think it bothers people too much to just say "I am a casual, arm chair fan" opposed to sparring a few times and seeing the inside of more then one gym and claiming "In" status. Lot's of guys call themselves "Historians" instead lol.

 

Armchair is one thing - what about being an armchair kid?

I remember watching fights with my Dad when I was just 7 or 8. Say a 10 rd’r - by the late rounds I often complained that the fighters weren’t punching enough - and if it was me in there, I’d be doing this, that and the other, punching every second - I must’ve though I was Harry Greb BEFORE I even knew who Greb was.

My Dad patiently explained that fighters get tired - Dad knew there was no undue slowing of the action when the preceding rounds and action therein was duly accounted for.

Still showing no clue as to stamina and natural fatigue, I just said well okay, but remaining with my naive delusion, I added BUT If it was ME in there I’d be……LOL…my appreciation of two humans fighting must’ve been equivalent to the depth of understanding I had for my non fatiguing and impervious to pain Rock’em’Sock’em’ Robots. Ha.

Now as a duly empathetic adult I can’t help but “feel” the energy being used and hurt inflicted from first bell….

 

Could you please outline the 12 step recovery program for same.

Who do you have to apologise to first? I guess you have to steer clear of any and all armchairs going forward - even when civilly invited to indulge in same - you don’t want to “fall of the wagon”, or fall into the armchair, so to speak, - because notwithstanding abstinence - you always remain a vulnerable, armchairoholic.

 

You’re too kind.

I’ve always been partial to a bit of crumpet - but that’s another addiction again which I’m not willing to let go of at this point in time…if ever.