Bringing Boxing Back To The Pacific Northwest
Written by Miriam Ludlow, Courtesy of OregonSportsNews.com – A Portland Sports partner.
Where exactly is boxing in the Pacific Northwest? When was the last time you attended a match? My point exactly! We have neglected a great sport and I am here to figure out a way to bring it back.
While the exact birth of boxing cannot be traced, there is sufficient evidence that it dates back to the Mesopotamian era. It was formally introduced during the Greek Olympics in 688 B.C.
It all “formally” started back in the 18th century when boxing was at its top. England was the place to be if you were into “prizefighting” as it was known. From there boxing experienced a few international bans dating back to the 19th century in England, Norway,Cuba & North Korea. There was one in Sweden between 1970 and 2007 too.
Boxing survived criticism and restrictions across the world including one in the US. The bans did not have a negative effect on the sport. As a matter of fact, as with any prohibition period, boxing flourished just as much if not more underground.
When boxing operated underground it had no rules and more important no limits. The ban did nothing but fuel an already successful and crowd pleasing sport. It pushed boxing to another level of intensity that only those that breathe and dream of boxing can understand.
As bans across the world were lifted, pugilism emerged to the top. Throughout time it has been able to hold its place across the globe however US interest has declined.
For anyone that has once witnessed a boxing match this is very hard to understand. For me is extremely hard to process that that’s where boxing is.
During the golden age of boxing (1920 -1960) fights were one of a kind. It was man vs. man and the crowd by their side. Everyone was ready to see the last man standing. To pick him up and carry him out as the winner that he was. No greater glory could compare to that of a boxer with his/her fists up in the air at the end of a match.
So how is it possible that one of the most challenging, interesting and raw sports lacks the audience it deserves? Is it a lack of promotion? What does it take to be on the top? Who is following boxing? Who is fighting? What is happening with boxing in the US? But more important what is going on with boxing in the Pacific Northwest?
First of all in order to understand boxing in the Pacific Northwest, one must understand our history. If you are a devoted follower, you already know the names I am about to share. If you are not, I invite you to join me and learn about them.
These are the names of greatness in the Pacific Northwest boxing world. So let’s get to the point. Denny Moyer and Ray Lampkin Jr. from Portland were two boxers that were intense, dedicated and committed to the sport. Every single one of their fights was that one you talked about for days and weeks to come.
Now let’s move onto Oregon Sports Hall of Famers Joe Kahut (Woodburn), Andy Kendall (Burns) and Tom Moyer (Portland). Let us also talk about Jack Dempsey! That is correct. The great Jack Dempsey!
You may have even read a poem penned to him by reporter M.J. McMahon of Portland. A beautiful, heartfelt poem for one of the greatest boxers we have had in the Pacific Northwest:
Far out in the wilds of Oregon,
On a lonely mountainside,
Where Columbia’s mighty waters
Roll down to the ocean side;
Where the giant fir and cedar
Are imaged in the wave,
O’ergrown with firs and lichens,
I found Jack Dempsey’s grave.
O Fame, why sleeps thy favored son
In wilds, in woods, in weeds,
And shall he ever thus sleep on,
Interred his valiant deeds.
‘Tis strange New York should thus forget
Its “bravest of the brave”
And in the fields of Oregon,
Unmarked leave Dempsey’s grave.
This poem has influenced children and adults across the Northwest and the US. A poem that to this day touches those that honor Jack Dempsey’s memory as Fred Ryan from Deschutes County Rocks Boxing team in Bend, Oregon said: “The poem brings a lump in the throat to me today.” This fellow reader is what boxing is about. It is a sport played with the heart, body and soul the same as yesterday.
It is the passion and determination that draws the crowds. It’s the art of agile and intellectual moves with the power of bringing even the biggest of all men down.
But we cannot talk about Northwest boxing without identifying the women in the sport. And who else better to represent than Molly McConnell, World Champion Jr. Welterweight of the WIBF and Sue Tiger Lilly Fox – ranked #1 in the world as a Super Welterweight in 1979. Sue and Molly excelled in boxing and are a part of Portland’s boxing pride. They remain active in the community by mentoring the future generation.
Dear reader, if you are looking for your blood to pump, you need to think boxing. If you already know what that is about than you must go back and continue the high. If you are looking for men and women who put it all in the ring get your calendar out and plan on attending the next fight.
There is a wealth of local talent and interest for the sport. With at least 17 clubs across Oregon there is no doubt there is another Denny Moyer who will bring the Pacific Northwest to the forefront once more.
Make plans and catch the next fight at PSU or why not pack your bag and let’s hit the road! Tacoma and Seattle are great hosts to amazing matches all year long. You wont be disappointed! Boxing is happening right now in our very own backyard.
Because you see boxers don’t just show up to throw a punch. Boxers around the world step in the ring and are ready to give you the best experience that they can. Every minute in the boxing ring is about the win. You can be part of that! You will not be let down. The great boxers of the Pacific Northwest are ready to leave you in awe.
With boxing there is a 1:1 direct physical and intellectual match. But even so some is the sport that has been banned, condemned and even called “barbaric.” Without a doubt a sport that is often misunderstood.
But the more we experience it the more we will understand that boxing has it all! It is full of pride and joy. It’s about technique and strategic thinking inside and out.
I invite you to support boxers of all ages as they train and box across the Pacific Northwest. The only way to understand the experience is by being in the front row of every match.
Trust me you will smell the sweat in the ring. You will sense the technique in each corner. You will come to admire and follow each boxer and trainer that night.
There is something about a combination, a head butt and of course a powerful jab that will keep you on your feet all night. We are talking about men and women who train to give it all in each fight. Every punch, every move is there for a purpose and it has a plan. And if we are lucky we may even witness a powerful knockout!
Boxing has it all and it is very much present in the Pacific Northwest. Boxing is addicting and is the place to be on a Saturday night. Let the Pacific Northwest boxers show you how it’s done.
Yes there will be broken jaws, eyes closed but boxing is the one sport where it’s all clean and for one cause: To show that through pride and hard work not only can we produce great boxers but make history worldwide. You must experience what the boxing family is about. It is here and very much alive. My question to you is how long until you step outside of your box and step into the arena where Pacific Northwest boxers fight?
If you are ready and intrigued let me be your guide! The time is now! It is time to give Pacific Northwest boxers the support and acknowledgement they deserve. Let’s experience it one region at a time. Please follow me as I share interviews with local boxers across the state. Join me as I write about the trainers behind each and one of them. Let’s bring boxing back! It is time!
