AFTER THE LAST ROUND: wrenching documentary.

Were you at a screening, L?

 

when Denny Moyer passed away I started a tribute thread, and posted highlights from this film.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239032&highlight=denny+moyer

 

bump

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcZPxFQIxvg[/ame]

 

If you were a boxer, n, would this YouTube make you think twice?

 

It's strange because I don't think it would.

We all know that boxing is an extremely hurtful sport, yet many of us get involved of it despite knowing that and us, as fans, take enjoyment out of seeing people get hurt. We may not like to see the sad cases of certain fighters, such as Moyer, but it's part and parcel of being involved in boxing. It's something we just accept, perhaps wrongly.

I think more should be done to protect fighters from world champions to the guys at the bottom of the rung. I doubt you've seen it, John, but there's a thread in the lounge called about 'trailer park' boxing. It's clear that these people are getting hurt and it's sad that the commission, promoters, trainers and managers do nothing about it. The only time anything changes in boxing is when it's too late and the people who run the sport try to save face. Instead of waiting for another Duk Koo Kim, there should be proper tests to see how boxing can become a safer sport.

But even though we all have these thoughts about the brutality of boxing, I don't think it's enough to turn us away from the sport. As fans we know how brutal it is and hope for the best and, as boxers, I'm sure they think of themselves as immortal. Sadly, even the toughest of fighters aren't.

 

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, J.

Every retired fighter ('n some were badly damaged) at the Q&A after the screening I was at all, choked with emotion, came to the defense of the sport.

 

This article was written by a sportswriter at the same screening I was at:

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2010/10/16/1612851/boxing-documentary-on-head-injuries.html

 

It's funny you mention the NFL, because they're still pulling the greatest marketing coup in history by getting families to believe that organized football is safe for kids to play. They actually hired scientists to attempt to refute and discredit studies about the issue of concussions and the dangers of multiple sub-concussive hits in football, even when the evidence that was presented was both sound and damning. It turns out that people who play football suffer the same brain damage (CTE) that effects boxers. Still, there's a huge difference in the people who know the similar risks between the two sports because there's too much money in keeping up a good image for football whereas there are no qualms about knocking boxing.

Knowledge of boxing's dangers, risks, and long-term effects is pretty widespread. The NFL, on the other hand, has been the most masterful sports organization in our time of hiding its dirty laundry under the rug and still getting families on board with it. There's never been an "After the Last Round" about the NFL. And that's too bad, because it'd be a real eye opener and the topic needs attention.

 

Who were they, John? Sounds like a really interesting, thought provoking event.

 

You know --- Moyer died at 71 knowing that on his best nights he beat some of the best fighters who ever walked the earth. He scored wins over guys like Griffith, Robinson, Paret, et. Not one of us gets to leave this world with a win over Sugar Ray Robinson to our credit. Denny did.

 

Here's an article about the screening, J, with pix of some of the fight personalities in attendance:

http://www.myboxingfans.com/2010/10/after-the-last-round-gala/

 

Is it worth it? If could have that life and legacy, would you take it or be happy with what you've got?

 

Well, since I never fought professionally, I really don't know if I can give an honest answer. However, for a prize fighter it just doesn't get any better than saying, "In my prime I beat the P4P best fighter who ever lived."

 

the italian fa kept a similar study quiet about soccer