Fighters who hated Fighting

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by NHB7, Apr 10, 2018.


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  1. NHB7

    NHB7 New Member Full Member

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    Every so often we see this archetype: The boxer who grew up doing the sport and still does it because it’s lucrative, but doesn’t enjoy it at all. Or maybe enjoyed it early in his career but grew to dearest it later. Can anyone think of fighters of whom this is true.

    Couple examples:

    I feel like I remember reading that Jess Willard really hated hurting people and didn’t enjoy boxing much.

    I remember Mike Tyson by the end of his career saying he just didn’t enjoy boxing anymore.
     
    NHB7, Apr 10, 2018
    NHB7, Apr 10, 2018
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  2. Cecil

    Cecil Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Joe Bugner
     
    Cecil, Apr 10, 2018
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  3. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    McDonnel is a current example. He doesn't follow the sport at all, just does it to earn a living.
     
    lufcrazy, Apr 10, 2018
    lufcrazy, Apr 10, 2018
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  4. bcr

    bcr Well-Known Member Full Member

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    When Tyson was at the end of his career he hated everything, the guy was having lots of issues.
    Earlier in his career you could see him doing commentary on Julio Cesar Chavez fights and talking about Gerald McClellan and Julian Jackson.
    He also had admiration for fighters like Duran, Dempsey, Leonard, Ali, Johnson, Patterson, etc...and recently you can see him ringside watching fights.
     
    bcr, Apr 10, 2018
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  5. bcr

    bcr Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Recently Gary Russell Jr.
     
    bcr, Apr 10, 2018
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  6. Smokin Bert

    Smokin Bert Boxing Addict Full Member

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  7. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    Max Baer
     
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  8. Clinton

    Clinton Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I believe Michael Spinks wasn't crazy about the sport.
     
    Clinton, Apr 10, 2018
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  9. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Emile Griffith hated his profession, especially after the Benny Paret tragedy. He didn't like it so much even before then...he was coaxed into being a fighter by Howie Albert and Gil Clancy. This goes a long way to explain EG's rather tepid, detached decision winning ways post Paret.
     
    red cobra, Apr 10, 2018
    red cobra, Apr 10, 2018
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  10. jyeahfosho

    jyeahfosho mrtechnicalboxer Full Member

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    Even though Marciano was such a dedicated and disciplined boxer, I heard that he said he didnt like boxing.
     
    jyeahfosho, Apr 10, 2018
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  11. Sting like a bean

    Sting like a bean Well-Known Member banned Full Member

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    "...who grew up doing the sport and still does it because it’s lucrative, but doesn’t enjoy it at all."


    None other than Ray Robinson said exactly that in an interview once. If anyone doesn't believe me I'll see if I can dig it up.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2018
    Sting like a bean, Apr 10, 2018
    Sting like a bean, Apr 10, 2018
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  12. Big Ukrainian

    Big Ukrainian Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Alexandr Dimitrenko, Tor Hamer
     
    Big Ukrainian, Apr 10, 2018
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  13. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Oh I believe it...I've read this before, including in Ray's autobiography....and I think it's incredible...like Vladimir Horowitz hating the piano or something.
     
    red cobra, Apr 10, 2018
    red cobra, Apr 10, 2018
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  14. boranbkk

    boranbkk "ไม่ได้โม้นะ" Full Member

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    I would say 99% of guys don’t actually enjoy the fighting unless it’s a dream night and totally goes their way, which doesn’t happen much at championship level.

    Most fighters until they fall out of love with the sport, love the training, the overall lifestyle, the self confidence and belief it brings and of course once you climb the tree the celebritity that comes with it.

    I think it’s the challenge the fight presents that most guys love. The fight is more like a heavy duty test your not gonna enjoy, but gotta do and you want and need to do to test yourself, your’re elated once you’ve done it, but love the act? I’m not so sure. I think it’s a very small % who actually ENJOY a tough fight while they are in one.
     
    boranbkk, Apr 10, 2018
    boranbkk, Apr 10, 2018
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  15. Rope-a-Dope

    Rope-a-Dope Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Leo Randolph. 1976 gold medalist and briefly WBA SBW champion. In interviews back then, he said he didn't like fighting, so it was no surprise that he retired so young.
     
    Rope-a-Dope, Apr 10, 2018
    Rope-a-Dope, Apr 10, 2018
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