Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Saturday December 7, 2013, HBO produced a card that consisted of boxers whose mastery is displayed in their skills. There were also brawlers. Those wonderful gladiator-like athletes, who look to not only prove their heart to fans, but also their worth.
There is one specific fight I am referring to; Glen “Jersey Boy” vs. James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland.
This fight definitely won fight of the night with its thrilling, non-stop explosive action. These to warriors left it all in the ring and one specifically may have left it all out a little too long, Glen Tapia.
Tapia is a top prospect with Jersey roots. His intro to the ring suggested to the fans that this is the guy who fans look at as the second coming of Arturo Gatti.
Early on in the fight, Tapia made us all believe just that. The most uncomfortable part about that reference is that fact that by the time referee Steve Smoger got in between both men to stop the fight, Tapia may have taken way too much unnecessary punishment.
Beginning in the third round, you could visibly see Tapia fading and getting hit easily. Kirkland’s continuous pressure would continue to ravish Tapia.
In spite of that, in the sixth round was where many fans would agree that Tapia should not have continued.
As his eyes closed slowly in the light, the heart of the fans continued to beat harder and faster. Anxiety took over, as his caring fans like myself prayed that he would not come out to fight that last round.
I don’t blame Tapia for allowing himself to get in the ring that sixth round, because boxers hearts are built like no other.
Their desire to be champion, loved, and the best are what drives them to continue. In fact, it was the trainer Alex Devia who should be ashamed of himself.
The need to reach the glory heights of boxing took over his corners mind. Devia needed to think about his boxing son’s health and future.
He needed to keep in mind that Tapia is a wonderful father, family man and son. Tapia is a warrior and Devia and Pat Lynch—better than anyone else—understand that.
But what warrior is good without his mind?
Tapia’s mind was clearly gone. Alex Devia, instead of holding the eyes of Tapia and yelling to him to “tell this doctor why you should continue the fight”, should have stopped the fight and told Tapia ‘I am proud you, but I will not let you kill your dream tonight.’
There is no doubt in my mind that Tapia wanted to win this fight. The trainers should have been a little more concerned for their fighter.
Fans, although we adore the brawlers, we sympathize with them a bit more. Although we crave ruthless aggression, as fans we understand the risk these men take.
This is why we write articles like this one. We hate to have another great young prospect go down.
One thing is for sure, Tapia will return.
He will bring us great fights and wonderful moments in boxing. In spite of that, we the fans hope the trainers take a good look at their actions in this fight and learn the importance of watching the health of your boxer.
It is evident that Devia and Lynch have done a fantastic job and hold a great relationship with Tapia up until now.
Fans should look forward to bigger, better, exciting, and well-executed fights from Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia and his entire team.
Header photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
