Weekly Contemplations
 By Jason Petock (May 13, 2004)
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Not deficient of towering entertainment and furor, this past weekend was spilling over with an abundance of classed bouts. It was a satisfying change to the usual flow of fare that the boxing demographic is habitually subjected to. Network television has also regressed back to its boxing roots, which is not only a positive statement for the art of boxing, but also an optimistic gesture that things may be improving for the better.
Just when I thought that boxing had been thrown to the wolves to be devoured like fresh sheep, I was proven wrong this weekend once again. Life is compiled of highs and lows, a tribute to the Eastern concept of yin and yang, and the fight game is no different. Multitudes of us as a populace allow the wrong doings that occasionally occur in boxing to effect our emotions like a wavering see-saw, opposing sides teetering between acceptance and refusal. There is promise for us yet however. We emote these things because of the respect and admiration that we hold for the fighters that we champion and route for.
Since boxers represent us as a people, we feel it is our civic responsibility to be their voice in a world blind and often less than favorable towards the sport and its participants. This art has been under much scrutiny in past years, and has been laid on the chopping block for far too long now.
Deem this as hot-air or over repetitive rhetoric if you choose. Those with profound direction will step forward in support. Those against can stand in opposition, or choose to lace up the gloves in defiance. Choices are always ever present and changing, and dependant on what side you opt to stand on will effect your elections and viewpoints.
One card in particular that reinforced the idea in my mind of positive renewal, was the Andre Eason Vs “Panchito” Bojado bout. This weekend was a mammoth for boxing ceremony, with the Golden Gloves National Championships and the greatly anticipated Juan Manuel Marquez Vs Manny Pacquiao showdown, with Miguel Cotto Vs Lovemore N’Dou on the undercard.
In particular it was the Bojado Vs Eason bout that was revealing, and the catalyst of this article. Francisco “Panchito” Bojado is a crisp-edged young prospect making waves in the sport. Honestly, upon notice of his initial appearance in the sport, mainly his public beginnings, I took a juvenile disliking to him. Not a deep seated hatred of contempt, but more like an anti-theme, like other sports fans feel about their favorite teams rivals. It’s the same position I held about Oscar De La Hoya, until I opened my eyes to the truth of the matter, and saw things with clarity instead of ignorance.
A myriad of factors led me to my rash un-support. And all of them were not only incorrect, but also useless and for lack of a better term. stupid. Instead of looking at Bojado’s skills in the beginning, I was more worried about the cloning effect of Fernando Vargas, who he was appearing to look like more and more as time wore on. Imitation is the highest form of flattery according to the old adage. I’m relieved and proud to say that Bojado has come into his own, not only as a fighter, but also as a unique force in boxing. In no way is this meant to deride or insult Vargas or Bojado in any way or means, I was just making an example of my ignorance through retrospect.
It is these minor and meaningless details that detract from the charm and eminence that is boxing. Everyone does it. We all make snap judgements and one-sided evaluations. Few have the mettle to admit it, or could care less. This element has to change.
Going back to initial review, it was as I watched “Panchito” land telling shots to Eason’s torso throughout their 10 round affair that Eason had no intention of going anywhere, especially not down. I watched Andre get hurt about 3 times through the fight with worry, but also with assurity. Andre Eason has never been knocked out in his entire career. When I watch boxing, I usually have a solid idea of who I want to win, but in this fight, like many, I was for both men. Often there are aspects I like about both fighters, and it’s too difficult to choose. Other times it isn’t. This said, there are of course many bouts in which I do choose. The one thing that is certain and concrete is that I never choose to support a boxer solely based on either his race or nationality. I support them on their merits and ability, which is far more valid don’t you agree?
As I watched hoping that Andre would comeback, or Bojado would seal the deal, it happened. Bojado knocked down Eason in the closing seconds of round 10 with a clean left hook. Eason got up quickly and seemed fine, and the dramatic effect of the flash knockdown was replaced, at least in my mind, with the thought of, “Damn, Eason has a chin, always has.” I wonder if Andre had been busier would he have won? You have to take into consideration the unforgiving heat that both boxers were dealing with in that sauna disguised as a boxing ring in Arizona.
This fight was Grade-A quality. It was fair and unbiased, and a fine display of aptitude by both competitors. This bout, among many has entirely rejuvenated my faith in the only sport I watch religiously. Everyone needs a chin check every now and then, and I got one. It shows that not everything is overcast, and that sometimes when you least expect it, a silver lining emerges. Memorable fights do that to me. Boxing does that to me.
I just hope that together we can preserve it as a culture, because it really is one. I hope that we can unite and educate those that are so strongly against it. The craft of boxing gives destitute youth hope, old men vigor and young men aspirations of exalted things and places. There is nothing more forthright than this science, and it enables opportunity and promise as one.
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