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 GlovesYou 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
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