Tuesday, April 03, 2007 Quijano: Old School fighting is not only about fighting By Jingo Quijano Last Round
FELMAN Gingoyon (cupey_alto3@-yahoo.com.ph) e-mailed me some queries. The Last Round is more than happy to oblige.
Felman asks: “What is meant by old-school boxing? What are their fighting styles? Why are fighters like James Toney and Bernard Hopkins considered “old-school”? How about Floyd Mayweather Jr.? I consider the way he defends himself as effortless.”
Well Felman, there is no hard definition for the term “old-school”. It’s been loosely coined to complement fighters who are deemed as “throwbacks” to the good old days.
Remember that in those days, fighters earned a lot less but they occupied a much more revered status among sports fans. They took their craft seriously, and on the ring, they always gave it their all. Think Joey Maxim or maybe Archie Moore.
To me, two traits come to mind whenever the term ‘old-school” crops up: tough and hard-working. You won’t see them complain if a low blow accidentally lands. There will be no tongue-wagging during the fight nor any crying during the interviews. In the ring, you will actually see them fighting, not feinting.
Bernard Hopkins is truly old-school. Not because he is old by today’s boxing standards, but because he truly epitomizes what it means to be such. When he was a younger fighter though, he was pretty crazy about throwing that right hand and he leveled a lot of fighters with it. But he later on metamorphosed into the complete fighter that he is now, one who breaks down his opponent’s will by dishing out a sustained beating round after round.
James Toney is also another fighter who fights like the old masters, especially on defense. He is the consummate counter-puncher, always looking to one-up his opponent’s offense by making him miss and punishing him silly with flush counters.
However, when it comes to self-discipline and conditioning, James Toney is having the old timers turning in their graves. The old masters were also ordinary men, and so they also probably enjoyed gulping a couple of cold ones at the local bar. But they also trained like hell and always showed up for fights in good condition.
They did not disrespect the sport by showing up looking like a beach ball with arms, or by hopping from one weight class to another to justify a lack of self-discipline. James Toney to me, is a waste of serious old school talent.
As for Floyd Mayweather Jr., yes I agree that he is such a beauty to watch. He comes from a deep boxing pedigree as his father, Floyd Sr. and his uncle Jeff were accomplished pros. He is thus naturally gifted and talented. His defense of tucking in his chin behind his left shoulder was passed on to him by his father, and he has indeed mastered it. You probably could not hit him on the butt with a handful of sand even with his back turned. Hehehe!
However, Floyd Jr. doesn’t necessarily fight the old school way. He mixes his moves with modern day flair and is not too comfortable fighting along the trenches. Besides, old school guys were respectful and polite, unlike Floyd Jr. whose mouth spews venom and envy at every turn. His skill is dwarfed by his ill-will and for this reason alone, he may never achieve the superstardom he so desperately craves.
BEST OF TIMES. This writer welcomes back his buddy Dexter Belarma who is now based in New South Wales, Australia. Dex is also an avid boxing fan who grew up along with this writer in the mean streets of Lucio Lopez Drive. Glad you’re back dude!
LAST ROUND. This week’s last round is on Kristine “Tina” de Jesus, who hails from the lovely town of Dapa, Siargao, Surigao del Norte. Tina recently graduated with a degree of BS in Business Administration from the University of San Carlos. Congratulations and cheers!
