NO DREAMING ALLOWED

By Roger Esty

With the exception of a sport,just off the top of my head,like distance running there's no lee way for error in training. Boxing is a contact sport. Guys in boxing trunks wear a protecter covering their jewels and a mouthshield to keep what's left of their teeth intact. Fellas' that have laced on boxing gloves know that the concussion of a blow is more powerfull with the mitts on. Gloves are worn to prevent cutting.

So climb into the ring out of shape and there's the probability they'll be carrying you out unless both pugs are washed up. Then the sport is given a black eye.

We read about, and have seen, that many of the warriors had(and have) an affliction for the the polish. As they age that process is accelerated by their drinking. Then in the flower period of the 60's drugs became vogue. Vogue isn't necessarily condusive to boxing.

I've seen guys use amphetimines as a suplement for road work. Cocaine to hone the reflexes. Marijuana to alleviate the anxiety. Then when the battle ensues the illusion is painfull.

Lots of fighters have washed out early with the booze and the drugs. We don't need to list names.

There's no margin for error with boxing. It's a dangerous undertaking. Someone said in a movie that drugs are the things dreams are made of. The fighters who think they can get away from indulging with drugs(and alcohol) are dreaming.