Home
>
Success
>
Success Lessons From Boxing

Success Lessons From Boxing

Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone recently opened an academy or gymnasium for contenders in downtown LA. The contenders are top middleweight boxers in the USA who have not been given a shot at the title.

Sugar Ray and Sly Stallone are well qualified to run the academy as both have been champions in their own worlds. Sly Stallone is a Hollywood 'champion'.His films about 'Rocky' have inspired countless boxers. Sugar Ray was a 6 times world champion. He knows what it takes to be a champion: "Champions never ever show signs of quitting."

Champions don't quit but more than that they don't even look like quitting and don't even think about quitting. The same attitude is essential for anyone who is serious about achieving their dreams.

Sly told the contenders that they will now have a shot at the title: "You are now in charge of your own lives, your own fates. If you blow it, you blew it." Success is about taking responsibility for your own actions. Champions don't blame others for their failures.

Sugar Ray speaks too: "Your family is your foundation. Your family is why you are doing what you are doing but you know what's going to make the big difference; what's going to determine who wins is this (points to his heart) and this (points to his head) If you want it, go for it."

The contenders were gradually eliminated from the Academy by a weekly series of 5 round fights. The first fight taught a lot about how to succeed in boxing or anything else. One of the 'weaker' boxers challenged the boxer who was supposed to be the strongest.

Alfonso Gomez from the Western middleweights was considered one of the weaker boxers but Alfredo noticed that Joey on his team who was being picked to fight the weakest of the Eastern middleweights did not look too happy or confident.

He volunteered his services, instead, to fight the strongest of the Easterners! He said: "I will fight Peter Manfredo. I can beat him." Alfonso was only 10 and 2. Peter was 21 and 0."

Alfonso smiled: "I'm a gambler. I'm not afraid to gamble. I am not worried about the competition. It's just about who wants it most and I know that I want it more than anything else in the world." Later Alfonso commented: "I am either going to be a hero or an idiot!"

Champions have to risk looking like idiots. So does any one who wants to achieve anything out of the ordinary.

Alfonso's team members were taken aback by his offer to fight Manfredo but Alfonso was so confident that the rest of his team agreed to select him as their first representative. Alfonso continued to speak with confidence: "He's going to be tough to fight but I know I can beat him There's no doubt in my mind that I can beat him. As soon as we take their best fighter the whole team is going to crumble."

Alfonso Gomez was utterly determined: "I'm going to give it my heart to make it. I want to provide my family with everything they want. It's a dream and it's a dream that I am sure will come true."

Gomez climbed into the ring the night before the fight to visualize his success. "A true champion never thinks: 'I'm gonna lose'. I'm going into the ring to visualize the fight. I want to visualize the fight to give me more confidence in myself. I really want to overcome any obstacles. I am confident and I say to myself: 'You're the winner; you're the winner; you're better than him. I actually imagine that I'm gonna win. I raise my hands." Gomez raised his hands again and again punching the air in celebration.

"If you imagine it, it can happen. If I imagine I can fly, maybe in the future I will." Champions visualize their success vividly before it happens. So should anyone who has a great dream.

At the pre-fight conference a pressman suggested that Alfonso was not as good a boxer as Peter Manfredo. Alfonso like a true champion, let the criticism slide over his head: "I've always been the under dog. All I can say is: I can beat him on his best day!" His team laughed and applauded.

Peter Manfredo did not have as much to say: "I feel like I always do before every fight. I feel like a killer. I will do my talking in the ring. The better man will win tonight. The only one who can beat you is yourself. This is the shot of a life time."

On the way to the ring Alfonso was still sounding confident: "This is my passion; this is my dream; I will become the contender." Peter Manfredo, undefeated and ranked third in the world said "I'm a serious threat because I fight for my family. I can box; I can bang. That's why I am 21 and 0 today. I don't know how to lose."

Alfonso won the first round but Peter the second. Alfonso won the third round. Peter's corner man told him: "Peter, you ain't throwing enough punches." Round four was more even but Peter seemed to edge it. Alfonso's corner told him "Die in the ring, baby!" Alfonso gave it everything and won the fifth round.

Alfonso, the underdog, won the fight by unanimous decision. He was generous in victory. He held up Peter's arm and said: "Hell of a fighter! Hell of a fighter!" Alfonso's dream had come true. He laughed: "I took a risk but I beat a gorilla!"

Peter was shell shocked. He had been defeated in front of his wife and daughter. He had lost his unbeaten record to an unknown. "I came here with the confidence that I was a champ but it did not happen. I feel I let everybody down. Why was it when it is my chance to shine I blow it? I've fought since I was 5 years old? Where do I go from here?"

If Peter is destined to be a true champion, he will not quit. Sugar Ray himself lost 3 fights. Many true champions have experienced failure. A true champion or anyone who wants to fulfill their destiny does not quit or show signs of quitting. A champion does not blame any one else for his or her failures. He or she is usually motivated by love of their family. They are not afraid to risk looking like an idiot. They have the confidence to challenge the 'gorillas' and use tools like visualization to achieve their goals. They ignore the critics who see them as the underdog.

About the author

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams. They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, And Pictures...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles" The book can be found at this URL http://www.motivationtoday.com The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them. You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine or on your website so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.

green cleaning service Glencoe ..

In The News:

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.

The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.

Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.

Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.