Quote Originally Posted by Zurawa
Hey...

I'm a college student doing a project for a rhetoric class I'm taking. I'm doing an ethnography on the subculture of boxing and need some input from people who box. If you box, please take a few minutes to answer these questions. All input is appreciated.

1. Why do you box? I do it because it is one of the only sports I have ever received excessive praise in and felt that I was pretty good at. It is also a great way to stay in shape and sparring is just fun. Since I was a kid boxing has been a big part of my life; I was watching it on TV before I could walk, my father was an amateur boxer and my grandfather was semi pro. It has just always come rather naturally to me and will always be part of who I am.

2. Furthering the first question, what do you want to get out of it? I just hope to improve my boxing ability and enjoy the physicality and competition of the sport. I never hoped to turn pro and win world titles or anything like that; because I have Crohn's disease and was recently diagnosed with cancer, my health has always stopped me from fighting consistently as an amateur. I only have fought four times but intend to fight again. I don't know how to say it, there is just a great rush and sense of accomplishment you get from fighting to your limits and pushing yourself beyond them against someone who is doing the same thing with the intent to knock you senseless. It is like a heightened sense of focus and reality.

3. In your mind why is it worth any inflicted damage during a fight? Every fighter must know when he gets into a ring against another man there is potential for bodily harm or death. It is just something that comes with the territory, and at the end of the day, makes boxing more exciting for the fans. It is an assumed risk. There is no shame in one being hurt or dying doing what one loves to do.
4. Does your ego/pride play a major role in your motivation to box?

5. Some people say boxers enjoy violence; would you agree with this statement, why or why not? Depends on the level of violence/sadism you are speaking of. Some people would say all human beings enjoy violence on some level. I would not say I enjoy boxing because I am a violent person who wants to beat people up. If I did, I would probably be more inclined to train in MMA and be a bigger fan of the UFC. I enjoy boxing for the competition and the strategy it encompasses. On a counter point, you have to have a little bit of a violent streak in you to want to learn then practice punching people, right?

6. Would you say you have had a troubled past, or one that motivates you to box? If so, and if you don’t mind explaining, how has it motivated you? I dont box because of a troubled past in the sense of coming from poverty or a broken home. I have always boxed out of love for the sport/art of boxing and because of the personal challenge it brings me.

7. Would you say any stereotypes hold true for most (not all) boxers as far as ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality? Not as many as some people would like to believe. One that I think holds true is that, for the most part (MAB excepted of course), the best fighters come from poverty. If you are given nothing and must fight for everything; it makes you hungrier for victory.

8. Are there any behaviors or actions that only boxers/fighters do? (in other words, something you see a person do and think "that person must box") Many experienced boxers move around with a certain "economy of movement"; their movements are more subtle and precise than your average person. They will move with the smallest amount of motion needed to complete a given task or movement. Sometimes you can see the hunger for competition and the fearlessness in their eyes; especially in an undefeated fighter.

Thanks again for any input.