Summed up beautifully by this 19th century quote. Pierce Egan, a famous boxing writer from the 19th century wrote: " No men are more subject to the caprice or changes of fortune than pugilists. Victory brings them fame, riches, and patrons. Their bruises are not heeded in the smiles of success. Basking in the sunshine of prosperity, their lives pass on pleasantly until defeat comes and reverses the scene. Then, covered with aches and pains, distressed in mind and body, assailed by poverty, wretchedness, and misery; their friends forsake them. The towering fame expired and no longer the plaything of fashion, they fly to inebriation for relief and a premature end puts a period to their misfortunes."