Go Another Seven

I know that I have mentioned this several times before in my Blog, but I just can’t help talking & thinking about it.

‘The Contender’ is really an incredible TV reality show. I just don’t know how to describe the feeling that I had inside. It’s the kind of burning sensation, like a fire that has been ignited within my heart… that makes me want to get up from my seat & start punching as the boxing match went on.

Seriously, if I ever had a chance, I would definitely take part in such a worldwide event. That is, if I’m good enough… but of course, it’s just a dream coz I’m not a boxer (much less a world class one) & neither have I ever boxed once in my entire life.

But still, boxing has made an incredible impression in my life. In a way, boxing has kind of molded my mindset in some ways. That’s why like all sportsmen say – sportsmanship is the most important at the end of the day. It’s like some sort of ‘spirit’ or essence that drives men & women in sports. For money alone can never ignite such a burning flame & passion in their hearts. So much that they put themselves through… to earn that which is & comes from within.

I have been watching the short video clips of the last episode of ‘The Contender’ which I have recorded using my digital camera. One remark which the champion Sergio Mora said has stuck in my mind. In fact, every time I view this short video clip, it never fails to move & encourage my heart.

And that’s the title of this Blog. That’s what Sergio said. When the commentator asked if he was tired, Sergio replied almost immediately, “No no, I’m not tired… I can go another seven.” Seven, as in the full seven rounds of this boxing finale match.

Whenever I replay & replay these short few seconds of the video clip, Sergio’s words & expression just impresses on my heart. I look at his face & see him beaming inside. This guy really loves what he does & just like every fighter in the ring, he gave it his all in this last match.

Although boxing is not a team kind of sport, it has never been short of the element of courage. It is one sport that I would encourage everyone & anyone who is able & willing to give it a try. You don’t need to be a professional boxer to discover the strength, courage & sportsmanship that comes from boxing.

Boxing is not about violence. It’s just like any other action sport that people pick up for health & self-defense. One should not judge a sport without even experiencing it for him or herself. No sport is bad, for any sport involves movement or action in some way.

Often, it’s not about digging up as much negative aspects as possible about something, but to be willing & open to understand it first, before one can even appreciate the richness & benefits of it.

Of coz, boxing is a contact sport. But unlike other non-contact sports, it develops & builds up an individual in ways that cannot be experienced without first-hand trying it. Why?

Very often in life, it’s about picking yourself up & moving forward. Occasionally, there will be obstacles in life that seem impossible; a mountain too big to handle. When faced with such problems, sometimes we get knocked down & hurt.

How do we know what pain or hurt is without ever feeling it? How will we know if we have the resilience, determination & strength to rise again, if we haven’t failed before?

Of course, some may argue that one doesn’t need to be burned by fire, before knowing that fire can burn. But that’s not the point that I’m sharing here.

Have you ever fell down in a bus, stairs or somewhere & many people start laughing at you? Have you ever tried & tried so very hard & still fail, with many who question your ability? What would you do? How would you cope?

Boxing is worse than getting a humiliating slap across your face. It is worse that accidentally falling down the stairs or bus. It is about being knocked down by your opponent right in front of you & right in front of everyone watching in the stands & over local TV & overseas sports channels.

It teaches you to endure pain. And when in pain… to cling onto the ropes & pull yourself up. It is also to build up the courage within you to once again face your opponent & everyone else on-looking… no matter how many times you have been knocked down. Courage under adversity… pain, shame, tiredness, etc.

How does one find strength beyond what he thought he had? That is to challenge the limits. CHALLENGE THE LIMITS. That is also the school motto of Farrer Park Primary School, near my church at Little India.

When you are able to face yourself, then you can face others around. Until we can do that, we will never be able to hold our head high & make something out of whatever that we encounter in life. And everything that is placed in our life happens for a reason.

Look, I’m not saying that boxing is the key & a way to solve all problems. But it is my intention to emphasize courage that is inside each & everyone, to face our challenges in life, head on & head high. Even God uses trials & tribulations to mold us into better beings.

Life is about having the courage to face our problems. I believe the grace of God is sufficient for the task. Yet, life wasn’t meant to be a breeze for all. When God delivers us, He doesn’t always deliver us from our problems… but THROUGH our problems.

We can win, only when we have the courage to first win from inside.