Archive for the 'Combat Sports' Category

Boxing – 2009 in review

Below is yet another spectacular video courtesy of Gorilla Productions.  Any fan of combat sports will enjoy this 2009 boxing recap.  Gorilla Productions continues to put out the best boxing videos on all of Youtube.  Hats off to their crew for the hard work.

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Fight of the Year 1985 – Hagler vs. Hearns

In a past article, I referenced the 1985 title fight between Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns.  It has been 25 years since their epic bout.  Fortunately, time has not dulled the excitement of this brutal slugfest.   It is impossible to imagine how much action could be squeezed into a 3 round bout without watching it unfold with your own eyes.

Below is a new video that recaptures the action of this brutal classic.

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If this video doesn’t get the blood flowing, I don’t know what will…

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Mike Tyson Tribute

Based on the popularity of the recent Ali tribute, here is another entertaining compilation.  You will be hard pressed to find a better Tyson video on all of Youtube.

Part I

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Part II

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I still can’t believe that it has been 25 years since Tyson turned pro back in March of 1985.   It seems like yesterday when we’d gather around the television to watch a prime Tyson in the 1980’s.

And for those interested in some amateur footage of Tyson, here is a brief display of hand speed (with Teddy Atlas looking on).

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Enjoy,

Ross

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Muhammad Ali Tribute

Below is an entertaining tribute to the legendary Muhammad Ali.  If you have any interest in boxing, I’m guessing that you will thoroughly enjoy this clip.  It is the best Ali tribute I’ve seen.

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Those who are new to the site can see pictures of his old training grounds at the links below.  I’m still amazed and thankful that we had the opportunity to train in the same gym.

The Ali Camp I

The Ali Camp II

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Legalize MMA in New York

Below is a short Bobby Razak film dedicated to the legalization of MMA in the state of New York.

Despite holding the mitts briefly in the video (approximately the 7:25 mark), I had no idea that MMA was illegal in New York. It wasn’t until after we exited the ring that I learned about the purpose of the brief film.  It is definitely worth a look for all fans of combat sports.

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I am shocked that MMA is banned in New York and can only hope it is a matter of time before it is legalized. New York has such a rich history in boxing. Madison Square Garden has played host to some of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. John L. Sullivan was the first heavyweight champion to box at the original Madison Square Garden. Sugar Ray Robinson defeated Jake Lamotta at the Garden in 1942. Joe Louis defended his title eight times at the Garden. The first Ali vs. Frazier fight took place at the Garden. The list of champions who have fought in New York is literally endless. The New York gym scene is also rich in history. Stillman’s Gym was once the center of the boxing universe.  A separate Hall of Fame could be dedicated to that gym alone.

How can a state that has such a rich history in boxing turn its back on MMA?  Both sports can and should thrive together.  There is no need for separation.  There are talented athletes who dedicate their lives to each sport.  Why should MMA fighters be denied the privilege of fighting in New York?

Within the film, boxing promoter Bob Arum makes a comment about spectators and participants with tattoos.  Could this really be a reason why he wouldn’t want the sport in New York?   Are we going to pretend that all boxing events are peaceful and civil?

Do I need to remind him of the 1996 brawl that took place during the Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota bout?  Oddly enough, the location of this appalling riot was Madison Square Garden.  I was there with several fighters from our old gym.   Lou Duva was carried out on a stretcher right past us.  You can see a video of the riot here.

MMA has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years and will only continue to advance.  The sport isn’t going anywhere but forward.  New York needs to open its doors to one of the most popular sports in existence.  Hopefully this film expedite the much needed change in law.

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Top 5 Fights (Boxing) of 2009

As someone who both loves the sport of boxing and is involved as a trainer, I regularly watch video of past fighters.  Youtube is obviously an amazing resource with literally thousands of bouts archived within.  You could easily spend all day watching video of past greats such as Ali, Marciano, Ray Robinson, etc.

One of the better channels that I’ve found comes from Gorilla Productions.  Just about every video they put out is top notch in terms of production quality and content.  Considering that many readers of this blog are either fight fans or participants, I’m guessing that many will enjoy their assortment of boxing videos.

Here is one recent example from just a few days ago.

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The full channel can be found at the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/user/GP732676

Enjoy,

Ross

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