Has you heart ever been broken by a fighter? If so, who was it?
Never fall in love with a fighter. If you do, he'll likely break your heart. And try as I may, this is something to which I have never become inured.
When Paul Briggs recently was "waxed" by one of Danny Green's pawing air shots, many of Paul's fans were crushed--not so much that he lost, but by the way he lost. Heck, I even took his photo off my website. But having one of your favorite boxer's break your heart is nothing new. It's been happening to me since at least 1951
The great Roy Jones Jr. had any number of opportunities to get out. He could have retired after beating John Ruiz but no, he decided to fight on despite being weight drained and gaunt. Antonio Tarver proved what a foolish decision that was in their second match. Still, Jones got another solid opportunity by beating Anthony Hanshaw and Tito Trinidad, but he insisted on staying, and in the process, let his legions of fans down as he was humbled and bloodied over twelve rounds by Joe Calzaghe. Incredibly, he had what amounted to a third chance to get out after beating Omar Sheika and Jeff Lacey in 2009. By then, his record was 54-5 and he had the wherewithal to leave on a positive note. But it was not to be. Inexplicitly, he went on to fight Australian Danny Green and Bernard Hopkins and succeeded in breaking hearts from Seoul, South Korea, to Pensacola, Florida.
Joe Calzaghe joined those who broke the mold when he announced his retirement with a perfect record and a guaranteed legacy as one of the truly great fighters and clearly one of the greatest British boxers ever. His fans have fallen in love with him over the years and rightly so, but will he stay retired or will he too hear that call that says "come on back." Someone like Chad Dawson or Carl Froch is out there waiting? Will the temptation be too great?
Remember, if you fall in love with a fighter, he'll break your heart just about every time and Joe Calzaghe will likely not be an exception. Be on guard.
“If you want loyalty, buy a dog.” Ricky Hatton
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