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It seems on the emerging continuum of things, that various writers appear at no time to run out of interesting and informative subject matter to record in written form. There are multitudes of topics to choose from in the discipline that is boxing, and just as many scribes present in modern times to cover all the bases. Often it is these odists that provide a voice to the boxing fan or reader and attempt to put things right in the world, at least in the world that we know as boxing. They facilitate the voice of the unheard and typically less recognized common man.
Next there are those who tend to separate themselves from the supposed “common man” or working class. Contemptuous and demeaning on all accounts, it is these literati whose only goal in life is to ridicule and oppress what they consider beneath them, or trivial at best. Literati are the educated class or individuals who are absorbed in arts and literature.
I classify those that are appreciative of boxing as a way of life in this category. I have also come to the dreadful realization that there are several who would rather see such torch bearers as you and I face the burden of disapprobation, than succeed in our own endeavors.
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Ever receptive to constructive criticism on all levels, most recently I had a run in with an individual who not only clearly viewed himself as superior, but displayed the uncouth views of an elitist. Being the impartial person that I am, at first I took the deriding comments with a grain of salt. However, once it was revealed that this onslaught was not only malicious in nature but uncalled for as well, I changed my tune immediately. It is dejectors like this who not only soil the very fabric of everything right and true about penmanship, but also about boxing and its loyalists.
I am one of those loyalists as are you who read this. Everyone is of course entitled to their opinions regardless of whether they click with mine or not. That’s not the issue here. The issue is this: When are we as a society going to accept each other on a basis other than race, religion, sex or creed? As advanced as we have become technologically, it seems we have backslide 500 years when it comes to common courtesy and the acknowledgement of our fellow man and woman, unless of course we have something off color to say about them. Now I am far from perfect and have been known on more than one occasion to voice my dislike of something or someone, just like the next guy. But why shoot the messenger dead when you haven’t even heard what he has to say yet?
This piece is dedicated to the rampant critics who plague boxing. Not only have their ridiculous comments proven their ignorance, but also how much stock as boxing advocates they really possess. Opposed to these people are actual fans who continually live the sport and are committed to its existence and preservation no matter the cost. I respect their viewpoints and thank them for showing us all who to avoid in life. Should anyone else encounter these individuals in passing, do yourself the courtesy of availing yourself of their presence as soon as possible. These people will appear in all walks of life and are only concerned with anything you are not and your eventual downfall. I welcome the insolence of these dissenters; they’ve only sharpened my devotion to writing that much more.
The purpose of me writing this is not to initiate or instigate conflicts of any nature. This is written in protest of those who would rather spend their free time doing things less than constructive. I welcome all comments and complaints, gripes and moans. But when someone crosses that line in the sand, not only does it need to be addressed, it also needs to be extinguished like a trash pail fire before it escalates into a raging inferno. Collectively we need to put out fires in life and in boxing as well, especially when it comes to journalism. Trials and tribulations are a fact of this existence. We must face them daily and try and come out on top every time. Don’t you just wish that once, just once, you could get your nemesis into the squared circle for vindication? But unfortunately you can’t and neither can I. Mind you I’ve been called out many times online by brave hearts hiding behind a computer screen. I take that about as seriously as Celebrity Boxing in the nude. Not only is it a hilarious concept that a complete stranger would want to throw hands with someone they know absolutely nothing about because of a discussion or disagreement online, it’s also very far-fetched.
It’s the 2004 equivalent of liquid courage, so step aside alcohol for your new replacement – online ego. Aren’t online confrontations so much safer anyway? Last I checked keyboard strokes don’t give bloody noses but I could be wrong. Technology has come a long way. Where have we gone in the process?
So the days of face to face confrontation are over. Get in an argument today and end up either shot or in a paddy wagon because the person you insulted had 911 on speed dial, or was packing heat. The saying that image is everything couldn’t hold more weight than it does this second. Everything is image. Where has the substance gone? It’s probably along the wayside with
humility and respect. I don’t know, I’m offering you up a menu of sorts, you can choose what you want to eat off of it and what you want to discard.
Now not everyone fits this description. If you side with me then most likely you aren’t in disagreement. Who are they you ask? I’ll tell you. They are those out there who look for fault in everything and everyone they encounter. They are those who are trying to abolish boxing as a sport and refuse to recognize it as such. They are the people whose minds are sealed shut like Capone’s vault, which when opened revealed to hold nothing of relevance inside of it, nothing at all.
Having another weight lifted off my chest (one of many), I feel honored to have the opportunity to share my musing and thoughts with everybody through this medium. I appreciate all the support and positivist that many of you have expressed as readers, fans and writers. The insults and negativity from a select few are also valued, which I slip like a lazy jab. Didn’t anyone tell you that when you shoot it you have to snap the wrist? Guess not.
Being a part of the vital lifeline that is Doghouse Boxing is an honor and I am amongst some of the finest writers and scriptors there are. That is the compliment and reward of this experience that I am sharing with you, on every level. My only expectation is that every article I complete does justice to not only its subject, but also to its reader. Much like boxing without fans, writing without readers cannot thrive. Thank you the reader for helping us grow as a voice of reason here at Doghouse. I also want to thank each and every contributing writer as well. I enjoy your articles immensely and await each new piece with as much wonder and awe as everyone else.
Much respect to “Bad” Brad Berkwitt for the opportunity to write.
Ultimately I want to express profound admiration and thanks to all boxers and their families at every plateau of the game. Without you none of this would be possible and it is your heroism that makes each of us a little braver, your will that makes us that much more determined, and your efforts that give us something to revere and write about. Keep punching…
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
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By Jason Petock (May 20, 2004) 
