CUERUS - 2010 Resume

Fighting Words

By BERNARDO “BMIKEA” MIGUEL

“Clarity”

This column is being written the day after Christmas 2010. As I was reflecting on the holiday and the upcoming year of 2011, I vowed to try and give myself “the gift of clarity” in all things as much as possible. It came to my mind that this is a perfect topic for my last column in 2010 for Cuerus.

Recently, I had reached out to the Chicago Golden Gloves via their e-mail and mentoned to them that I was working with Cuerus Boxing Newspaper and wanted to promote the 2011 events, matches and fighters through a series of features. The idea I had in mind was to collaborate with the powers that be there. I received an e-mail back informing me that they only worked with major media outlets like The Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times and the like. What struck me as odd about this is that we are a BOXING NEWSPAPER and ONLINE outlet for information that is seeking to provide expanded coverage to this event. Unlike those other papers, though our coverage is small compared to them, we are focused on boxing and release a paper twice a month, every month and focus the topics on this sport exclusively.

Simply put, I stated a few months ago that our goal was to showcase the sport at all levels, including the amateur ranks. To be basically told that our coverage is not important to them is just shortsightedness to me. The last time I checked, as a reader of both major Chicago papers, the coverage on boxing at all levels has been pretty sparse. To not even offer any type of press kit that would showcase what this event does for the Chicagp Park District (and the program participants) is just downright weird. Since both the paper and myself are dedicated to giving as much coverage to the sport as possible and that we advocate increased funding for programs (like the Chicago Park District’s) and youth services in general, seems almost like some hypocritcial thumbing of the nose. I would hope that they would think about each organization that contacts them and realize, with all clarity, that this could be a grassroots increase of exposure for the participants of the CPD boxing programs and give them a chance to shine. Further, to increase knowledge that there are programs that parents and their kids can utilize to increase physical fitness and to learn other positive skills, is an opportunity one should not take lightly.

My conclusions, based on the response of their contact is that they must have enough tickets sold and that they must not be interested in reaching out through all outlets that seek to showcase this event because it has all the coverage it needs. My ideas of trying to provide support for the event must have been erroneous to begin with because they don’t have any need to work with anyone outside of the big boys. I do want to point out, however, that when I was a kid, I learned about the Golden Gloves through a neighborhood paper. Though the events were sponsored by a local paper, the coverage kept becoming ever more sparse throughout the years. Whereas our paper was willing to get creative and think of many ways to promote and showcase all aspects of 2011’s Golden Gloves

You never know who you might connect with on the imagination level and inspire to take up the sport or join a program. Since this papers is distributed throughout Chicagoland and is expanding online, the reach and exposure is potentially even greater. My goal in mentioning all of this is not to provoke, antagonize or even further alienate the powers that be over there. To be clear, I would hope that they would realize that if they are truly in love with the programs and support the boxers, they should consider the opportunities that are presented to them. We won’t have a shortage of events and fights to cover. It simply would have been nice to work with them.

Regarding the last year in boxing and this final issue for 2010, we have a great year-end wrap-up for Cuerus. Rob Ramos, George Jimenez and myself - cover some key categories that give a glimpse as to how our minds work when it comes to boxing. Give us your thoughts on our observations and let us know what you think. We all frequent our facebook page at www.facebook.com/cuerus and would welcome engaging you in an exchange of thoughts!

George Jimenez, our newest contributor on both the photography and reporting front, has an introductory piece on Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea. Learn more about this woman who has learned from both boxing and the business behind it. It is part one of our spotlight on Maureen and her life in boxing and other projects that she has been working on. I am sure you will agree that she is an inspiration on all levels!

Lastly, there is a lot going on behind the scenes here at Cuerus. I would like to have you send your feedback to us. What do you like? What do you want to see? Tell us what’s on your mind and drop us a line or give us a holler. You can reach out to me at bernard@cuerusboxing.com or call and leave a message with your opinions at: 312-880-7747. I will make sure to include your feedback as we discuss future ideas for our upcoming issues!

I wish you and your family a very Healthy and Successful 2011! Thanks for your support in 2010!

- Bernardo “Miguel” Aguirre

www.cuerusboxing.com

www.twitter.com/cuerusboxing

www.theboxingmatch.blogspot.com

CUERUS - Resumen 2010

Por: BERNARDO “BMIKEA” MIGUEL

GEORGE JIMENEZ

ROBERT RAMOS

Pelea del año (2010)

RR: Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana 12/11/2010 - Este enfrentamiento por el campeonato de peso ligero welter de la WBA, fue una montaña rusa de doce rounds entre dos jóvenes prometedores, Amir Khan y Marcos Maidana, mostró las mejores habilidades y estilo único de ambos peleadores. Cada uno tuvo su momento y hubo muchos intercambios airados, el resultado pudo haber sido a favor de cualquiera de los dos boxeadores. Sin embargo, Khan fue el ganador con ventaja sobre Maidana en la puntación de los jueces.

GJ: Humberto Soto vs Urbano Antillon - Hubo muchas peleas buenas, pero creo que esta fue la más competitiva. Hubo acción de ambos lados en todos los rounds y la pelea terminó en una decisión cerrada.

BMA: Pacquiao vs. Margarito - No me gustó desde el principio toda la expectativa creada, me enfureció. Sin embargo, admiro a Pacquiao y cómo de nuevo se enfrentaría a un peleador más grande (como en su pelea contra De la Hoya). Fue una paliza que entregó el karma por toda la cara de Margarito.

Boxeador del año (2010)

RR: Manny Pacquiao. Many Pacquiao ha captado el corazón de los fanáticos del boxeo alrededor del mundo. Su incesante y agresivo estilo para boxear lo hace uno de los peleadores que más emociona verlo en acción. Su rapidez, agilidad y capacidad de mantenerse fresco en todas sus peleas le ha permitido dominar éste deporte. Pacman nunca ha esquivado a ningún boxeador de alto rango legítimo y se estableció como el boxeador posiblemente mejor libra por libra en la historia del boxeo.

Mención honorífica: Juan Manuel Márquez. Márquez es el técnico perfecto en el ring y da placer verlo pelear; con mucho corazón, especialmente cuando trata de salir de algún problema y combate hacia una victoria.

GJ: Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez – Sin duda Martínez enfrentó la mejor oposición contra Pavlik y Williams y la manera que ganó lo hace el mejor boxeador del 2010.

BMA: Debo decir que es un empate entre Pacquiao y Sergio Martínez. Dije en mi columna pasada que no sólo son boxeadores con clase, sino que también unos guerreros muy capaces.

Knockout del año (11-20-2010)

RR: Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams II. El KO le pertenece a Sergio Martinez por su impresionante muestra de poder puro con el que noqueó al siempre firme Paul Williams, de manera espectacular durante el enfrentamiento por el campeonato de peso medio del WBC. Lo que me gusta de Sergio es que aunque quizá no sea el boxeador más llamativo, siempre entregará lo mejor de sí y mejora con cada pelea. Definitivamente estaré a la expectativa de sus enfrentamientos contra otros boxeadores de alto rango en el 2011.

GJ: El KO de Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez' contra Paul Williams dejó a los fanáticos en asombro y a Williams en la lona.

BMA: Sin duda alguna, Sergio Martinez. Ese puñetazo que botó a Williams fue nada menos que impresionante.

Disgusto del año

RR: Sergio Martinez vs. Kelly Pavlik.-. La derrota del normalmente mano pesada Pavlik por Sergio Martinez fue un shock para el mundo del boxeo. La muestra de trabajo superior de pies y trabajo dentro del ring le permitió hacer rebotes con combinaciones electrizantes, y esquivar rápidamente los poderosos puños de Pavlik. La victoria por decisión unánime estableció a Martinez, quien antes era un desconocido y fue levantándose entre los rangos hasta ganar de manera impresionante los cinturones de campeonato mundial del WBC y WBO. Hoypor hoy Martinez es una fuerza contra la cual medirse.

GJ: La victoria de Jason Litzau's contra Celestino Caballero se gana el disgusto del año.

BMA: Para mí es la pelea de Floyd Mayweather Jr. contra Shane Mosley. Debido a la decepción por no llevarse a cabo la pelea de Money contra Pacman, esta pelea captó mi imaginación sólo para que terminaran desechos mis sueños de querer ver una grandiosa pelea. Pensé que Shane usaría su capacidad de alternar entre sus distintas habilidades/aspectos de combate, pero Mayweather lo hizo pedazos durante la pelea. Esto hizo que para mí terminara la marcha de Shane hacia la posible de conquista del Tiempo.

Round del año

RR: Juan Manuel Márquez vs. Michael Katsidis – En su pelea por el título de peso ligero del WBO y WBA transmitida por HBO, Márquez mostró velocidad, potencia y precisión en los rounds uno y dos contra Katsidis. Las cosas cambiaron en el minuto 2:10 del tercer round; Katsidis tumbó a Márquez con un gancho corto, pero de gran potencia, a la izquierda. Parecía el comienzo del fin para Márquez, pero se levantó rápidamente sin mostrar señales de estar herido. Después del conteo, el mucho más grande y musculoso Katsidis se fue con toda fuerza lanzando golpes a la cabeza de Márquez, tratando de acabarlo, pero Márquez pudo recuperar sus sentidos mientras contragolpeaba la cabeza y cuerpo de Katsidis y así retrocediéndolo hacia las cuerdas, sobreviviendo el round milagrosamente. Marquez continuó con su plan de juego de golpes poderosos en la planta baja, luego a la cabeza y eventualmente noqueando técnicamente a Katsidis durante el noveno round, cuando el réferi detuvo la pelea para salvar a Katsidis de cualquier daño adicional.

GJ: El tercer round de la pelea de Juan Manuel Márquez contra Michael Katsidis, porque Márquez se levantó de la caída y peleó como el guerrero que es.

BMA: El tercer round de Juan Manuel Márquez cotra Michael Katsidis, porque en mis ojos ese fue el round que determinó el curso del resto de la pelea. También puso a Juan Manuel Márquez de nuevo en el mapa como peleador del momento que podría entrar al ring a enfrentarse de nuevo con Pacquiao.

Candidato del año (2010)

RR: Jose Benavidez Jr. (18 años de edad) ganadas 9 (KO 9) + perdidas 0 (KO 0) + empates 0 = 9. El poco conocido José Benavidez Jr fue campeón nacional amateur por doce veces, lo cual incluye los guantes de plata dos veces, calificó para los Juegos Olímpicos Junior y ganó un lugar en el equipo nacional estadounidense, camino a un llamativo record amateur de 120-5. Benavidez también es el campeón los Guantes de Oro Nacionales del 200 en la división ligera welter, lo cual lo hace el campeón más joven recipiente de los Guantes de Oro a sus tan sólo 16 años. Algunos de los boxeadores que José enfrentó son el ocho veces campeón mundial Manny Pacquiao, el campeón del WBA de peso welter ligero Amir Khan, el campeón del WBO welter ligero Timothy Bradley, el campeón de peso mediano Shawn Porter, y el ex campeón del IBF peso mediano Yori Boy Campos. Su debut profesional fue de gran anticipación porque a los diecisiete años le fue aprobada la licencia por la Comisión Atlética de Nevada. El es considerado un prodigio del boxeo y una de las futuras estrellas del deporte. Mantenga a la vista a este humilde joven, pero con hambre, boxeador que es un campeón mundial en formación.

GJ: Jose Benavidez – El es el candidato más completo que he visto pelear. Tiene un récord de 9-0 con 9 noqueadas and tiene el físico de un futuro campeón.

BMA: Algunos quizá vayan a pensar que estoy un año atrasado, pero creo que Saul “Canelo” Alvarez aún está por llegar a la cima en términos de ascenso. Pienso que veremos mucho más de él en el 2011.

Retorno sonado del año

RR: Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal - Después de presentación mediocre durante su victoria contra Roy Jones Jr en abril del 2010, Hopkins hizo una declaración atrevida y calló a cualquier critico que dudara de su capacidad para seguir boxeando debido a su edad. A los 45 años, creo que claramente derrotó al más joven Jean Pascal de 28 años en su enfrentamiento el 18 de diciembre del 2010. Después de caerse dos veces al principio de la pelea, Hopkins arrasó después de seis rounds y quizá lanzó por lo menos quince de los más siniestros golpes al cuerpo de que he visto; Pascal parecía aguantar bien los devastadores golpes al comienzo, pero eventualmente sintió su peso en los últimos rounds cuando Hopkins dominó completamente. Al final de la pelea Hopkins se miraba fresco, mientras que Pascal se miraba cansado y golpeado. Por suerte Pascal retuvo su cinturón debido a que las tarjetas de puntuación de los jueces resultaron en un empate.

GJ: Glen Johnson – Después de perder por decisión unilateral contra Chad Dawson en el 2009, Johnson regresó fuerte en el 2010 noqueando a Yusaf Mack, ganándole a Tavoris Cloud y anotando un nockout técnico contra Allen Green después de ingresar a torneo de Super Six Super Middleweight.

BMA: Juan Manuel Marques, porque pudo ponerse de lleno nuevamente en el mapa. No se ha logrado (aún) de nuevo la pelea contra Pacquiao, a pesar de andar detrás buscando que se haga. Sin embargo, seriamente se está hablando del porqué se deben llevar a cabo.

Mayor publicidad exagerada del año (2010)

RR: David Haye. Con la división de peso pesado escasa de interés, Haye inició retando a los hermanos Klitschko. Recorrió a todo tipo de insultos infantiles para después terminar alejándose de las negociaciones al último minuto por supuestos desacuerdos en los contratos. Haye después prosigió a ganar dos peleas de poco interés contra John Ruiz y Audley Harrison. Vamos, Haye, pon tu dinero donde está tu boca y haz pedazos a las hermanas Klitschko, como lo has dicho en una de tus despótricas.

GJ: Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito.

BMA: La expectativa creada alrededor de la pelea Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martínez. Continuamente escuché de todos cómo Williams saldría vendedor. Yo, por lo contrario, estaba convencido después de ver claramente a Martinez, que éste saldría ganando. Sin embargo, yo no sabía que iba a ser tan espectacular. Así que, a todos ustedes que dijeron que Williams saldría ganador, ¡no sucedió! ¡Lamento decepcionarles!

¿Qué pelea(s) te gustaría ver en el 2011?

RR: Yuriokis Gamboa vs. Juan Manuel Lopez -Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather III -Andre Ward vs. Bernard Hopkins -Sergio Martinez vs. Andre Berto -Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez - Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal II -Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana II

GJ: Mi top 10: 1)Giovanni Segura vs Luis Concepción o Román González. 2)Adamek vs Haye 3)Humberto Soto vs Urbano Antillon 2 4)JMM vs Soto en 135 – 5)Bute vs Ward – 6)Rios vs Ortiz en 140 – 7)Mike Jones vs Andre Berto 8)Erislandis Lara vs Vanes Martirosyan – 9)Pirog vs Pavlik 10)Troy Ross vs Cunningham 2

BMA: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Jr. Esta pelea debió haberse realizado desde hace tiempo y el hecho que fue así, me estropeó el año entero.

CUERUS - 2010 Recap

By BERNARDO “BMIKEA” MIGUEL

GEORGE JIMENEZ

ROBERT RAMOS

Fight of the year (2010)

RR: Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana 12-11-2010 - This twelve-round rollercoaster ride, WBA world light welterweight championship battle between two up and coming young fighters, Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana, displayed the best in both fighters’ unique styles and abilities. Each fighter had their moment and heated exchanges were plentiful; the outcome could have gone either way for each fighter. However, Khan walked away the winner edging Maidana on the judges’ score cards.

GJ: Humberto Soto vs Urbano Antillon - There were many good fights but I believe this was the most competitive. Back and forth action in all rounds and the fight ended in a close decision.

BMA: Pacquiao vs. Margarito - The build-up to this fight infuriated me because I didn't like seeing it happen in the first place. However, I admire Pacquiao once again taking about the bigger fighter (like in his fight against De La Hoya). It was a beating that delivered karma all over Margarito's face.

Fighter of the year (2010)

RR: Manny Pacquiao - Manny Pacquiao has captured the hearts of boxing fans throughout the world. His relentless and aggressive style of boxing makes him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. His quickness, agility and capacity to stay fresh in all of his fights has allowed Pacquiao to dominate this sport. Pacman has never ducked any legitimate top ranked fighter and established himself as possibly the best pound for pound boxer in the history of boxing.

Honorable mention: Juan Manuel Marquez - Marquez is the perfect technician in the ring and a pleasure to watch, with plenty of heart, especially when he digs his way out of trouble and battle his way into victory.

GJ: Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez - No question Martinez faced the better opposition against Pavlik and Williams and the way he won makes him the best fighter of 2010.

BMA: I have to say a tie between Pacquiao and Sergio Martinez. I stated in my last column that they are not only classy boxers but very capable warriors.

Knockout of the year (11-20-2010)

RR: Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams II. KO of the year has to go to Sergio Martinez for his awesome display of raw power in which he knocked out of the always game and battle tested Paul Williams in spectacular fashion of round two of their WBC middleweight championship fight. What I love about Sergio is that he may not be the flashiest fighter, but he will always give his best and get’s better with every fight. I am definitely looking forward to seeing him take on other world ranked fighters in 2011.

GJ: Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez' KO of Paul Williams left the fans in awe and Williams in the canvas.

BMA: No doubt about it...Sergio Martinez. That punch that took out Williams was nothing short of stunning.

Upset of the year

RR: Sergio Martinez vs. Kelly Pavlik. Sergio Martinez's upset of the normally heavy handed Kelly Pavlik was a shock to the boxing world. Sergio's superb display of footwork and ringmanship allowed him to bounce in with electrifyingly combinations and get quickly out of the reach of the power punching Pavlik. It was a one sided dissection of the normally poised Pavlik. The unanimous decision win established Martinez who was once an unknown that rose up through the ranks and impressively won the WBC & WBO middleweight world championship belts. Martinez is now a force to be reckoned with.

GJ: Jason Litzau's win against Celestino Caballero earns the upset of the year.

BMA: Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Shane Mosley was it for me. In lieu of the disappointment of not having Money fight Pacman, this turned out to catch my imagination only to see any dreams of a great fight dashed. I thought Shane would use his ability to switch between his different skills/fighting aspects but Mayweather took him apart over the fight. This to me ended Shane's march towards seemingly conquering Father Time

Round of the year

RR: Juan Manuel Márquez vs. Michael Katsidis - In their HBO televised WBO and WBA lightweight title fight, Marquez showed speed, power and accuracy in rounds one and two vs. Katsidis. Things took a turn in 2:10 of round three; Katsidis dropped Marquez with a short, but powerful left hook. It looked like the beginning of the end for Marquez, but he got up quickly showing no real signs of being hurt. After the 10 count, the much bigger and well muscled Katsidis charged forward swinging wide to Marquez’s head, trying to finish off Marquez, but Marquez was able to regain his senses while counterpunching to Katsidis’ head and body while being backed into the ropes to miraculously survive the round. Marquez stuck to his game plan with short powerful punches downstairs, then to the head and eventually TKO’d Katsidis in round nine as the referee stopped the fight to save Katsidis from any further damage.

GJ: Round 3 of Juan Manuel Marquez vs Michael Katsidis because Marquez gets up from the KD and fights on like the warrior that he is.

BMA: Round 3 of Juan Manual Marquez vs Michael Katsidis because that was the round that determined the course of the rest of the fight in my eyes. It also put JMM back on the map of a hot buzz fighter to get in the ring with Pacquiao again.

Prospect of the year (2010)

RR: Jose Benavidez Jr. (18 years of age) won 9 (KO 9) + lost 0 (KO 0) + drawn 0 = 9. The little known Jose Benavidez Jr. was a twelve time amateur national champion, which includes the Silver Gloves twice, qualifying for the Junior Olympics and earning a spot on the U.S. National Team, en route to a gaudy 120-5 amateur record. Benavidez is also the 2009 National Golden Gloves champion in the light welterweight division, making him the youngest ever Golden Gloves Champion at only sixteen years old. Some of the boxers Jose sparred with were 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, WBA Light Welterweight champion Amir Khan, WBO Light Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley, WBO NABO Light middleweight Champion Shawn Porter, and former IBF Light middleweight champion Yori Boy Campos. His pro debut was highly anticipated because at seventeen years old he was approved for a license by the Nevada Athletic Commission. He's considered a boxing Prodigy and one of the sport’s future stars. Keep an eye out for this humble, yet hungry young fighter who is a world champion in the making.

GJ: Jose Benavidez - He is the most complete prospect I have seen fight. He is 9-0 with 9 KOs and has the looks of a future champion.

BMA: Some might think that I am a year behind but I think Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is still to come to the top of the boxing heap in terms of upward mobility. I think we are going to see a lot more of him hitting his stride in 2011.

Comeback of the year

RR: Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal. After a lackluster performance during his win over Roy Jones Jr. in April of 2010, Hopkins made a bold statement and hushed any critics who questioned his ability to continue boxing due to his age. At 45 years old, I believe he clearly beat the younger 28 year old Jean Pascal in their matchup on December 18, 2010. After being dropped twice early in the fight, Hopkins took charge after round six and must have thrown at least fifteen of the most wicked body shots that I have ever seen, Pascal seemed to handle the devastating body shots well early on, but they took eventually took their toll towards the later rounds, where Hopkins completely dominated. At the end of the fight Hopkins looked fresh, while Pascal looked tired and beaten. Pascal luckily retained his belt due to judges scorecards ending up in a draw.

GJ: Glen Johnson - After losing a one sided decision to Chad Dawson in 2009, he comes back strong in 2010 knocking out Yusaf Mack, dropping a close decision to Tavoris Cloud, and scoring a TKO against Allen Green after joining the Super Six Super Middleweight tournament.

BMA: Juan Manuel Marquez because he put himself squarely back on the map again. All of the angling to fight Pacquiao again didn't come to reality (yet) but the serious talk of why this should happen is taking hold.

Biggest Hype of the Year (2010)

RR: David Haye. With the heavyweight division no longer being interesting, Haye begins challenging the Klitschko brothers and resorts to all types of childish trash talking and then backs away from contract negations at the last minute, because of supposed disputes in the contracts. Haye then wins two uninteresting bouts against John Ruiz and Audley Harrison. Come on Haye, put your money where your mouth is and crush the Klitschko sisters as you stated during your rants.

GJ: Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito.

BMA: The build-up to Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martinez II, in hindsight. I kept hearing from everyone how Williams was going to come away with it. I was convinced after looking at Martinez more clearly that he would win..however, I did not know it would be so spectacular. So, for those of you builidng up the fight as Williams walking away with it, didn't happen! Sorry to disappoint you!

What Fight(s) Do You Want to See in 2011?

RR: Yuriokis Gamboa vs. Juan Manuel Lopez -Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather III -Andre Ward vs. Bernard Hopkins -Sergio Martinez vs. Andre Berto -Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez - Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal II -Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana II

GJ: My top 10: 1- Giovanni Segura vs Luis Concepcion or Roman Gonzalez - All out wars! 2- Adamek vs Haye - Both guys are exciting to watch, come in shape, and are flawed enough to make it exciting 3- Humberto Soto vs Urbano Antillon 2 4- JMM vs Soto at 135 - If Soto can get past Antillon why not follow it up with this fight? 5- Bute vs Ward - To find out who the best SMW is. 6- Rios vs Ortiz at 140 - Bad blood = great fight! 7- Mike Jones vs Andre Berto - Both unproven Welterweights and need a big win. 8- Erislandis Lara vs Vanes Martirosyan - War of young prospects. 9 - Pirog vs Pavlik - Two guys who can bang! 10 - Troy Ross vs Cunningham 2 - Their first fight ended in a controversial win for Cunningham and there is some bad blood between them. Let's have them do it again.

BMA: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Jr. This fight should have happened already and the fact that it didn't really put a damper on most of the year for me.

Desde la Esquina del Editor

Por: Miguel Mijes

En 1958, desde que iniciamos nuestra carrera como aspirantes dentro del boxeo, pudimos darnos cuenta que en este deporte es muy difícil subsistir para una persona tímida y miedosa como el que esto escribe.

Pero también se avanza. Sobre todo cuando existe la necesidad de hacerlo, y el boxeo es un deporte que aunque le cueste dolor al interesado, aprende si es que continúa en uno las ganas de superarse. A medida que avanzábamos, aprendíamos más de este deporte y aprendíamos más cosas de la vida misma.

Nos dimos cuenta de sus enseñanzas filosóficas, a veces eran espirituales, a veces nos sorprendía por la ética que te motiva, si es que deseas ser un individuo parejo o ecuánime –como lo prefieras–, y ello nos despertaba mas la admiración hacia esta dura disciplina.

Nos dimos cuenta también que mucha gente abusa de tu confianza, de tu entrega, pero aumenta más si te quedas callado.

La segunda en la boca…

Existía en Irapuato Gto. (Mi Tierra), un hombre llamado Saturnino, que se ganaba la vida -no solo de su trabajo como barbero–. También por un módico 33.3% conseguía y representaba, a jóvenes pugilistas a quienes supongo atendía en la esquina correspondiente.

La Tercera en el Pecho…

Cuando se inicia uno en el boxeo, desconoce muchos peligros. Aparte de que tu juventud te obliga hacerte el “valiente” (Pero no güey, eh)

El mentado “Tunino” me consiguió un combate –a cuatro rounds–, en la ciudad de Cueramaro, Gto., ante un rival que me dijeron al termino del pleito que también era luchador.

Antes del combate, mi peso en la bascula era de 48 Kilos (Peso Mosca) mientras que el de mi rival era 54 Kilos (casi peso Gallo).

Era mi cuarto combate pero pudimos a base de zurda, noquearlo en el 3er episodio.

Mi sueldo por esa pelea según don Saturnino fueron $32.00, y quien en lugar de quedarse con el “riguroso” 33.3 % que le queda como “manager”, sólo me dio $11.00. (Supe que ya murió, y por respeto a su familia nos reservamos su apellido).

¿Considera alguno de mis tres queridos lectores, como es que un mozalbete de 14 años de edad con estas experiencias, aprenderá algo en la vida?

Aprendimos esa noche otro detalle, que ante las injusticias debemos siempre protestar.

Digo, porque tanto en el boxeo como en la vida misma, se requiere “despertar, exponer, revelar cosas, en las que tu falta de valor civil te convierte en cómplice de tus propios verdugos, sicarios o ejecutores”.

A muchos de los padres de familia de boxeadores les puede servir esta disciplina, para educar a sus hijos como prospectos en el boxeo.

Sin embargo no lo hacen, porque también como seres humanos sufren de ese Complejo de Inferioridad y también se tornan con su silencio en cómplices no sólo de la gente en el boxeo, también de cualquier otra gente que atenta en contra de sus retoños.

En estos tiempos con más razón, cuántas muertes se evitarían si los presuntos asesinos de jóvenes que mueren en la calle, conociesen algo de ética, cuando menos de saber pelear al tú por tú. Con la práctica del boxeo lo aprenderían pero…

¡Si supieran, las cosas tan bellas que puede producir nuestro duro deporte!

Jóvenes y Padres de Familia, en sus manos está la solución, sólo requiere que lo reclames.

Dijo el gran Ghandi: ¡No existe peor cosa, cuando de 100.000 voces, se queden calladas 999,000!

¡Son los derechos que reclamamos por el bien de nuestra comunidad y de nuestra juventud!

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Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea, from fighter to promoter

By George Jimenez

Maureen Shea is a female professional boxer of Mexican and Irish heritage. Her professional record consists of 15 wins, 9 kos and only 2 defeats and currently holds the NABF female lightweight championship belt. Maureen was born in The Bronx NY, but much of her youth was spent in Guadalajara Mexico. In her pro debut, Maureen wore the Mexican flag in her uniform. She feels very proud of her Latin roots and her dream is to fight in Mexico one day.
Maureen started training with Luigi Olcese, but it was Hector Roca who introduced her into professional boxing and has been in her corner since her debut. In 2004, actress Hilary Swank asked Hector Roca to help a prepare for her Oscar winning role as a female boxer in the movie "Million Dollar Baby". Roca and Shea helped her prepare for this role and Maureen served as her sparring partner. Although Maureen got some media attention working with Hilary Swank, it is the passion of what she brings to the ring that attracts her fans.

Shea has fought in shows promoted by Top Rank, Star Boxing and Irish Ropes and has fought 3 times at Madison Square Garden. But now she wants to try her hand at promoting and for this reason she formed Pandora Promotions. Her debut as a promoter takes place on January 13th, 2011 at the Masonic Temple in Brooklyn, NY. The main even features Alicia "Slick" Ashley (15-9-1,1 KO) from Brooklyn, NY. and even though many promoters would not risk putting a female boxer in the main event, Maureen understands how important it is to give her an opportunity.

"Very few promoters would take a risk and put a female fighter in the main event of their show, but I believe that a fighter's gender is immaterial. There is no masculine or feminine connotation to the word 'boxer.' An athlete is an athlete.

Maureen Shea wants to open the doors to other fighters looking for a chance. She explains, "I'm very grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been given by other promoters. Now I want to pay it forward and help other fighters reach their goals as well".