I like to think that I am a fairly logical person. I have the benefit of a good education, solid upbringing and am not in the habit of chasing risk. So why do I love a sport which would seem to be contrary to the nature of an individual with my background? I have been asked that and I have asked myself that. The answer is somewhat ethereal. After all how can you really explain that you feel enriched by the pain the training and experience can bring. That surviving an opponents relentless attack and being able to return it in kind is the best and worst moment you can experience at the same time.
Until you do it you can't really understand it. But recently as I was reading a book by Thomas Hauser, the author of Muhammad Ali's biography and many other classic boxing books, I came across a quote from Mike Jones, a former fight manager. As a fight manager he saw all the good and the bad of the game and these were his words.
"To understand boxing, you have to understand tradition and what it takes to get inside a ring. You have to learn about promoters and television and what goes on inside a fighter's head from the time his career begins until the day it ends. You have to grasp the reality of smashed faces and pain, and understand how they can be part of something courageous, exciting and beautiful. Boxing is beautiful, the purest sport in the world. You can knock promoters, you can knock managers, trainers, even fighters. But don't knock boxing. It's the best sport there is; and anyone who's ever been involved will tell you, it's an honor to be associated with boxing."
So next time you ask me or want a reason why you should like boxing just let Mike Jones' words flow through you. There is not much more to add.
