thelawofdharma

Yesterday, my “friend” Jason had the good fortunate to meet and briefly speak to George Chuvalo. For those of you who are not boxing fans, Mr. Chuvalo is one of Canada’s most celebrated boxers.

During Jason’s five minutes with Mr. Chuvalo, Jason mentioned that I had my first fight this Friday and that it would mean a lot to me to have some words of encouragement from someone of George’s stature.

"Keep Punching"

Jason also got this picture; it’s hard to say who’s more handsome…

Here’s some more on Mr. Chuvalo:

“George Chuvalo is a retired Canadian heavyweight boxer who was never knocked down in ninety-three professional fights between 1956 and 1979. He is often considered to have had the greatest chin in the history of boxing and to be one of its most durable fighters. He was Canadian heavyweight champion as both an amateur and a professional, and twice fought for versions of the professional world’s heavyweight title. He had a long career and fought nearly all the top names in the business.” Wikipedia

It’s a game called circle and I don’t know how, I’m way too up to back down
But I think I’m still tryin to figure this crap out
Thought I had it mapped out but I guess I didn’t, this fuckin black cloud
still follows, me around but it’s time to exorcise these demons
These motherfuckers are doin jumpin jacks now!

I’m not afraid (I’m not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand (come take my hand)
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin you know that, you’re not alone
Holla if you feel like you’ve been down the same road (same road)

And I just can’t keep living this way
So starting today, I’m breaking out of this cage
I’m standing up, I’ma face my demons
I’m manning up, I’ma hold my ground
I’ve had enough, now I’m so fed up
Time to put my life back together right now! (now)

Not Afraid, Eminem

Training Log – Week Eleven

Monday: DAY OFF

Tuesday: Workout at St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club

Wednesday: “MUSHIN” with Wayne

Thursday: Workout at St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club

Friday: “MUSHIN” with Wayne

Saturday: DAY OFF

Sunday: DAY OFF

First War Wound: a bruise on the bridge of my nose.

Training Log – Week Twelve

Monday: Workout at St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club

Tuesday: Workout at St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club

Wednesday: “MUSHIN” with Wayne

Thursday: Workout at St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club

Friday: KILLER STOMACH FLU

Saturday: KILLER STOMACH FLU

Sunday: BEING THANKFUL THAT I WASN’T THROWING UP

what’s the saying? where’s thunder there’s lightning
and they say that it never strikes twice in the same place
then how the fuck have I been hit six times
in three different locations
on four separate occasions?
and you can bet your stanking ass
that I’ve come to smash everything in my path
fork was in the road took the psychopath
poison ivy wouldn’t have me thinking rash
so hit the dance floor cutie while I do my duty on this microphone
shake your booty shawty I’m the shit
why you think Proof used to call me Doody

You can sound the alarm
you can call out your guards
you can fence in your yard
you can pull all the cards
but I won’t back down
oh no I wont back down
oh no

Won’t Back Down, Eminem

On Friday, October 14^th, the St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club (SCBC) will be holding a boxing fundraiser event called “Fight for Murphy” for the SCBC coach Keith Murphy. From 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm, the Merritton Community Center at 7 Park Street, St Catharines, will host an exciting night of “White Collar Boxing”.  Keith has been battling multiple sclerosis for 21 years and your support and/or donations will help Keith in his everyday needs.

If you would like advance tickets (at $10 a ticket), please let me know so that I can get you some from the SCBC. Tickets will also be sold at the door at a cost of $15 a ticket.

If you would like to “rock it” Vegas-style and get a ringside table for 8 people, please also let me know. Tables are $250 and in addition ringside, some drinks and snacks are also included.

Fighters (me being one of them – yeah!) have also been asked to collect pledges if those of you who are not able to make it to the event would like to make a donation. I am starting to fill out a pledge sheet and if you are interested in making a donation, please let me know via FB, comment on my blog and/or email. Please let me know the amount you would like to pledge.

Pledges can be made in cash or in cheque. Cheques should be made payable to:  St. Catharines Boxing Club and sent to me at 40 Henrietta Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 2M6.

Although I’ve only been at the SCBC since May of this year, it’s clear to me that Keith is part of the heart and soul of the Club. Each night Keith is there at the front door welcoming us as we come in for another gruelling night of training. His smile and warmth are contagious and I know that I personally feel better able to face the challenges of the workout ahead after receiving a warm greeting from Keith. Over the last five months, I’ve seen big tough guys drop whatever they’re doing to gently lend a hand to Keith as he makes his way over to the ring to watch the night’s sparring. Each time I see this, my heart expands and I know that the St. Catharines boxing community not only has grit, it has heart and soul.

Here is a bit more about Keith:

“Keith Murphy, who started coaching in 1983, is the head coach at the St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club. Keith is an upstanding and dedicated member of the amateur boxing community who volunteers numerous hours helping to organize and promote boxing events. In 2001, Keith was a Provincial Intermediate Coach as he helped two of his boxers win gold medals and assisted Team Ontario win top team accolades. This was a stellar year for the St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club thanks to Keith’s efforts as his boxers claimed four Canadian Championships and two Canadian Silver Medals. Keith is also a 2004 Provincial Junior Coach. Keith believes that nothing comes easy in life, but with a little bit of effort, you can accomplish anything.”  The Boxing Examiner.com