"Show me a boxer and I’ll show you a kid with an unhappy childhood"

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Iceveins, Apr 18, 2011.


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  1. Iceveins

    Iceveins Puglistic Linguistics Full Member

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    An excerpt from a book called "A Clenched Fist" by Peter Wood...At first I thought that statement was too general and stereotypical but after analyzing it for some time, and drawing on my own boxing experience, I realize the profound truth to it. Then seeing this sentiment reiterated in many statements from fighters themselves, I now believe this to hold true for almost all fighters.

    What do the ESB masses think of this statement?
     
    Iceveins, Apr 18, 2011
    Iceveins, Apr 18, 2011
    #1
  2. Finesse74

    Finesse74 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think most of the times its true, but its not 100% acturate.
     
    Finesse74, Apr 18, 2011
    Finesse74, Apr 18, 2011
    #2
  3. artdawg

    artdawg Grammar butcher beeaTCH Full Member

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    I always felt that some of the issues I have is what gives me the ability to just pound away at the punching bag doing my power punching drills to the body for an hour + minutes at times.


    Btw I'm not saying that a happy person couldn't do it, just that that is what would help me zone out and punch away.
     
    artdawg, Apr 18, 2011
    artdawg, Apr 18, 2011
    #3
  4. artdawg

    artdawg Grammar butcher beeaTCH Full Member

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    artdawg, Apr 18, 2011
    artdawg, Apr 18, 2011
    #4
  5. shaunster101

    shaunster101 Yido Full Member

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    I reckon it's 100% true in 90% of cases
     
    shaunster101, Apr 18, 2011
    shaunster101, Apr 18, 2011
    #5
  6. Real_Truth

    Real_Truth Guest

    I think this is true as children don't normally like to work so hard and dedicate themselves to something. And for the most part, good boxers have trained hard since they were young at age. That's just the kind of dedication it takes to succeed in this sport.
     
    Real_Truth, Apr 18, 2011
    Real_Truth, Apr 18, 2011
    #6
  7. Golden Boy 360

    Golden Boy 360 Boxing's Biggest Cash Cow Full Member

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    it isn't correct in 100% of the cases but in most. someone has to be really motivated and have a reason to pound away day in and day out on the bags, sparring partners, and the road.
     
    Golden Boy 360, Apr 18, 2011
    Golden Boy 360, Apr 18, 2011
    #7
  8. cesare-borgia

    cesare-borgia Übermensch in fieri Full Member

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    9 out of 10 have a messed up childhood. I cant think of any rich wealthy youth having boxers, maybe a guy like chavez jr
     
    cesare-borgia, Apr 18, 2011
    cesare-borgia, Apr 18, 2011
    #8
  9. Lefthooktommy

    Lefthooktommy Natural Born Killer Full Member

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    Yeah it's true, Alot of people use boxing to help better their lives. It's very rare to see a rich person jump into boxing for the fun of it. The reality is boxing is a sport where the lower and middle class have a chance to compete. A sport that doesn't judge you by your race or how much money you have. That's why i love boxing, it gives people like me a chance to shine.
     
    Lefthooktommy, Apr 18, 2011
    Lefthooktommy, Apr 18, 2011
    #9
  10. IntentionalButt

    IntentionalButt FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA Full Member

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    Cliche. :dead

    Anyone from any background can develop a love for it, or a need to compete.
     
    IntentionalButt, Apr 18, 2011
    IntentionalButt, Apr 18, 2011
    #10
  11. Badbot

    Badbot You can just do things.

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    As said, 9 out of 10 have something pushing them to continue on and then there is that one, who just does it because he loves it.
     
    Badbot, Apr 18, 2011
    Badbot, Apr 18, 2011
    #11
  12. Iceveins

    Iceveins Puglistic Linguistics Full Member

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    Yes, there are some deep rooted personal issues that can make a fighter more determined than another, likely manifested from childhood issues. Another excerpt from the book is "The greater the pain, the greater the talent."

    Off hand I can think of several champion fighters who said they were bullied as kids, Tyson as the prime example.

    Chris Eubank said he boxed because of a need for acceptance. Matthew Saad Muhammad recalls being abandoned by his mother in a park - and he was one of the most exciting toe to toe brawlers of all time. It takes something to drive someone to punish and get punished to the extent that he did.

    Well I believe the statement is directed at competitive boxers who make it their lifestyle, not someone who just tries it out for the love of competition.
     
    Iceveins, Apr 18, 2011
    Iceveins, Apr 18, 2011
    #12
  13. Finesse74

    Finesse74 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    :good
     
    Finesse74, Apr 18, 2011
    Finesse74, Apr 18, 2011
    #13
  14. evalistinho

    evalistinho Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Im pretty sure Cotto and hatton had happy childhoods.
     
    evalistinho, Apr 18, 2011
    evalistinho, Apr 18, 2011
    #14
  15. Chimponaut

    Chimponaut Member Full Member

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    Yeah I suppose that could be true, but at least in my experiences it seems most people regardless of SES or any other factor have rather unhappy childhoods.
     
    Chimponaut, Apr 18, 2011
    Chimponaut, Apr 18, 2011
    #15
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