10 Fights That Inspire: Athletes and Their Axioms
Simon and Garfunkel famously lamented "Where have you gone, Joe Dimaggio?" because athletes are necessary symbols of inspiration.
These heroic icons can sustain us in our times of need and give us faith in achieving the impossible when we find ourselves to be distraught. Sometimes there are examples of excellence by athletes that transcend sports. Many of these tales have been retold by the film industry in touching and dramatic fashion: Rudy, Invictus, Miracle on Ice, Invincible, and most recently The Fighter. While these films are usually quite effective in their delivery of a message it is often a watered down Hollywood version. Seeing the real tale of improbable triumph in its own moment leaves a more profound mark. With great athletic accomplishment, we are revealed to ourselves, and our newly defined potential expands our boundaries.
These are ten great single moves from combat sports that hold valuable universal lessons. The stress is on single action, so it had to be a one-lone movement that rocked the sporting world and left an indelible mark on the viewer's sense of limitations.
Consider these real life sport scenarios and see how they capture the best in all of us and teach us about what is possible within each and everyone of us.
(This is not a top 10 list, as they are invariably subjective and lead to circular debates.)
Here are 10 significant inspirational sagas revealed through sport:
Breaking Stereotypes
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10) George Foreman vs, Michael Moorer. Foreman at 46 years old wins a legitimate heavyweight title over an undefeated true champion. Big George, with a single, short, straight right hand, crossed off one of the oldest excuses-age- when he made history. Moorer, who had the fight already won on the cards, only needed to complete the twelve round fight. Moorer was cruising towards an inevitable decision win as they were finishing up the 10th round when age no longer became an excuse. This win made Foreman the IBF and WBA heavyweight champion of the world- making him the legit heavyweight king of the world. Moorer eventually retired with a record of 52-4 having only lost to great fighters like: Holyfield, David Tua, and the-at the time- undefeated prospect Eliseo Castillo. This was not a win over a nobody for a nothing belt (as in The Fighter); this was a true inspirational story where heart meant more than age.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0SONoA5L1g
Hurdling the Insurmountable
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9) Gengki Sudo vs. Butterbean. Genki Sudo at 155 pounds fought the well known and proven striker Erik Esch- best known as Butterbean. Butterbean is known for his size: 400 pounds plus of size. He is a proven veteran of fighting and has a detailed list of credentials. His resume includes: five time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion with a record of 56-5 with 36 knockouts (not counted towards pro career), he is rumoured to have knocked out Lennox Lewis in an exhibition match, his combined professional fight record currently stands at 95 wins with 65 knockouts, 19 losses and 5 draws. He also went the distance with Larry Holmes and has a win in the Pride organization. Sudo is 5'9 and 155 pounds and proved to the world there is a modern and very real David from whence one can draw inspiration.
The affable and intrepid Japanese fighter wiped size from the world's excuse lexicon.
Creativity, Diligence, and Self Belief
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8) Rumina Sato- Charles Taylor. When Spud Webb galvanized all of us with limited physical stature but unlimited dreaming power, he proved himself to be a cavalier maverick for those who believed gravity could not be bested. Sato also doubted the invincibility of science's stalwart constant. Rumina defeated Taylor within six seconds and the improbable submission is recognized by some to be the fastest in M.M.A. history. His now famous signature move is subsequently attempted at nearly every grappling tournament worldwide and dreamed of by every fighter. Although he is not the inventor, he does have the empirical evidence to demonstrate that he tried it and succeeded with it on a prominent stage. This was one of the first times it was ever pulled out and showcased to a large audience. It was the impetus for other creations and gave people the confidence to attempt the impossible. This will resonate with all people that watch this, and they will be thoroughly impressed with the payout of being creative, gutsy,and diligent in one's practice to master such an electric move. Spud and Rumina waved conventional constraints goodbye in achieving one's goals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCW-zhMmfXs
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
You Are Always In The Fight
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7) Inverted Triangle: Toby Imada against Jorge Masvidal. Paul Newman played a remarkable character in the film Cool Hand Luke. Luke could make the best of any situation- even winning with a lousy hand in cards. His ability to always remain upbeat and see the positive was so powerful it inspired and scared those around him. Around many homes and office one may find the poster of the frog being swallowed by the crane, but holds on to the throat to prevent being eaten. This paints a clear analogy of always fighting hard and never counting oneself out. But, it is a poster of silly animals without the capacity to be so cognizant of their environment and Luke was just a brilliantly charismatic character in a movie. This is reality. Beaten and busted, Imada turns a negative situation into a positive.You can find the answer even when you appear to be lost. No more using one's situation as a reason to count oneself out. Imada didn't.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpr9lPqcMDM
Passion and Commitment Beget Success
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6) Mankind vs. Undertaker. This is not Chris Angel. There no tricks. He is thrown off the roof of an elevated cage onto a real table. Sure, this is wrestling and the outcome is predetermined, but that is impressive. Mankind does not have the body for wrestling, nor the athletic ability, but he made it and is a legend because he gave everything for his passion. Zen philosophy speaks of doing things in the now. Whatever you are doing at this moment, give it your best effort and fullest concentration and from there one cannot fail nor succeed. Concentrate on giving your best and be satisfied with your effort. Mankind truly exemplifies that here. He will be eternally beloved as an all time great due to his passion.
The zany and improbable superstar delivers the message that physical appearance and limited physical skill do not preclude glory.
Intelligent Aggression and Determination Engender Achievement
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5) Tyson- Spinks. Those who would dispute this as a one shot example of an epiphany of human truth have a solid case. This is an example of where several punches are collaborating to culminate with a TKO. Fair enough. However, the aggression and determination of a young, hungry, Mike Tyson is undeniable. His continued self confidence and relentless attack excites the human spirit and leaves one admiring how fortune favours the bold. This was the fight that made Mike a legend. This epitomized his style and made the word Tyson synonymous with power and killer instinct. Thank you Mike for showing us that hard work and self belief override detractors and allows us to realize our true potential.
Believe in yourself
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4) Ali-Foreman. The old-schoolers would have hollered if this was left out. Although there was never one definitive punch in this combination that felled the indestructible; this is combat sports folklore. Against all the odds, defying age, dethroning the undisputed king, and taking the best from the most powerful puncher of all time, Ali won. There are a myriad of adages that can be applied here, but the core of this allegorical rumble is to believe in yourself- especially when the world doubts you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ZkkHw3sHs
Perseverance Prevails
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3) James Douglas-Mike Tyson. James who? He had no chance in this fight. His chances of winning were never to be considered. The fight was to see how long he would last. Rumour has it, the only odds available for the fight on Douglas to win were 42-1, most bets were in which round would the inevitable knockout come. Going into that fight Douglas' legacy was set to be a tale of " could have been" as he infamously quit against Tony Tucker in his first major title bout despite being ahead on the cards. But, James " Only my Best " Douglas came off the canvas-albeit controversially- to give the world the greatest upset in sports history. James fought above his head that night, took a terrible pounding, and rose from boxing obscurity to be one of the greatest giant killers of all time! The fight offers us some sagacious insight: perseverance will win out in the long run. He knocked " no chance " out of believer's vernacular.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYwbJx6211I
Don't Dream, Do It
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Ryo Chonan-Anderson Silva. Anderson Silva, the greatest fighter in the history of the world, was well on his way to another victory when he was caught with the greatest move in the history of combat sports. Silva has a record of 27-4. His losses are to Luis Azeredo (Anderson's first fight), Takase via triangle in 2003, to Chonan in 2005 and a disqualification loss to Okami in 2006. His 12 wins since joining the UFC in 2006 give him the longest winning streak in UFC history and places him close to the record for all time UFC wins (currently held by Matt Hughes). Silva is universally recognized as the pound for pound greatest fighter on the planet- even by most Canadians. So, what happened in the Ryo Chonan fight? You will have to see it to believe it. And see it again...and again. Being creative is an understatement here. I will not do this an injustice by describing it with mere mortal words.This erases EVERY excuse from all people's dictionary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYN6U_85YCI
Life Transcends Imagination
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1) Anthony Pettis- Ben Henderson. What? How can this be at the number one spot? Quite simply because this is a knee jerk reaction to something I am emotionally biased about. Having just witnessed Anthony Pettis confuse video game abilities with real life, I am admittedly throwing objectivity out the window. Regardless, Pettis jumping off the cage to land a head kick in the final moments of a 25 minute championship fight absolutely and categorically must resonate with every human on the planet. He was a real life ninja outperforming the best choreographed Jackie Chan move in a main event against the champion of the world. UN-freakin-believable! The message from the recent graduate from the Wudan school of Kung fu is we can outperform even our imagination. This is inconceivable in films, video games, even within the matrix- but he did it! If he can remain poised and have the confidence to do that, to what are the rest of us fettered?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfqM_pbdwfQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svJsMKmbR-A&feature=related
Conclusion
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As we embrace a new calendar year, we may consider some resolutions and goals for self-improvement. Traditionally, we seek out historical moments such as Neil Armstrong, walking on the moon, Jonas Salk, creating and releasing the patent for the polio vaccination for free, protesters at Tiananmen Square, standing up for the freedom of the individual, Gandhi and his message of non-violence as sources of reflection. As great as they are, the context is not making that profound impact required with me. I need Inspiration for Dummies and combat sports provide the simplest background to decode allegory. The narrative of fighting is much simpler than the more acclaimed historical examples. Realistically, most of us won't expect to lead a revolution, cure a disease, win a world championship, but we can be better at our daily duties- helping others, listening, working harder etc. Surely, they pale in comparison to what the aforementioned athletes have showcased. While this may be me purveying cheese, and admittedly I over extended the rules of hyperbole, I think these fights all have the ability to show us life lessons. Happy New Year everybody! Not included is my own personal favourite which consists of not one defining moment in the fight to offer inspiration, but the fight itself shames me of my own self- doubts and self-imposed barriers. I leave you with this video of Kyle Maynard.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
